Printer-friendly pageThursday, February 1, 2007
Skacel returned to face Sheffield Wednesday, and immediately the balance of the side looked better as Saints made a bright start.
Skacel himself had the ball in the net but was pulled back for a double handball, and then he shot just past the post with the goalkeeper wrongfooted, while the visitors also had a goal ruled out for offside.
All that was before Southampton took the lead in the 7th minute - it was not very good defending, but credit goalscorer Jones for not giving up hope after Beevers had apparently broken up a promising move.
I don't think Wednesday really gave us much trouble in the first half, but there was a hint that the collective foot was coming off the pedal. That view was confirmed after the interval, but Rasiak should have given us a more secure lead after Crossley parried Jones's shot. Then Tudgay found space to run clear but a bad touch gave Davis half a chance to smother his effort. Unfortunately the loose ball fell to MacLean who scored with Davis and Powell both lying injured. TV replays confirm the manager's view that Davis had been fouled, but Powell's injury was inflicted by his efforts to keep the ball out and looks the more serious. He was replaced by Idiakez in a reshuffle that showed Southampton's intent to win the game, and they were soon back in front when Jones continued his goalscoring run against Sheffield Wednesday by heading in Baird's cross.
Skacel should have increased the lead before the end, but Saints kept possession in their opponents' half and this time didn't give Crossley the opportunity for any more last gasp heroics.
Man of the Match: Kenwyne Jones. But the second goal was about it from Jones, as he went off injured. That his goalscoring celebrations amounted to some arrogant poses instead of the usual double summersault suggests he may have been carrying a knock from the start.
Saints: David, Baird, Powell (Idiakez), Lundekvam, Bale, Viafara, Wright, Pele, Skacel (McGoldrick), Jones (Wright-Phillips), Rasiak.
