Robertson off the mark

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Before the home game with Norwich, LSSC members around the city raised a glass to the memory of club stalwart and good friend Bob Weekes who died the night before. Bob's cheerful demeanour had been missed during his absence from St. Mary's and on our travels during his illness but we can look back on some good times, and indeed some legendary ones on LSSC's continental trips.

Saints again made changes for this match, but mostly as a result of injuries to Wotton, John and Schneiderlin. Svensson was still out, so the central defensive pairing was Perry and Lancashire, and I'm afraid I still find young Ollie distinctly wobbly. However, it was down the flanks that Norwich found most success after weathering early pressure and they were only foiled by the woodwork and a block by Perry that sent a point-blank effort over the bar.

At the other end, Pekhart was leading the attack with wide positions occupied by McGoldrick and debutant Jordan Robertson. And what a debut! Although the first 30 minutes were ineffectual, Robertson launched a curling shot that found the top corner of Marshall's net for an unlikely lead.

He then took over Pekhart's position as another injury took its toll, and he would have been impressed by substitute Wright-Phillips' shot from the left side that cannoned off the bar at the end of the first half.

Robertson was a better player in the middle, but he could do nothing about a period of Norwich pressure that would have led to an equaliser but for two breathtaking saves by Davis. It's a funny old game, though, and Saints gained a penalty immediately afterwards when the dangerous Lallana was fouled by Stepanovic. This was a double bonus as not only did McGoldrick convert from the spot but the former Portsmouth defender was also sent off, presumably for dissent. The ten remaining Canaries struggled to keep the score at 2-0 but when Saints did manage to beat Marshall, they could only hit the woodwork or had shots kicked away.

There might have been a nervous finish, but Davis again came to the rescue, this time to deny City sub. Lupoli.

LSSC Man of the Match: Adam Lallana. Well it makes a change from Davis, but in truth the goalkeeper should get it as his second half saves were pivotal.

Southampton: Davis, James, Perry, Lancashire, Mills, McGoldrick, Lallana, Cork, Surman, Pekhart (Wright-Phillips 32), Robertson (Paterson 87).
Subs Not Used: Forecast, White, Skacel.

Goals: Robertson 29, McGoldrick 64 pen.

Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Stefanovic, Omozusi, Grounds, Croft (Hoolahan 88), Fotheringham, Russell, Bertrand, Koroma (Lupoli 68), Sibierski (Cureton 84).
Subs Not Used: Nelson, Drury.

Sent Off: Stefanovic (63).

Booked: Fotheringham, Croft.

Att: 14,480