Saints defensive frailties exposed again

It seems Watford were the first to have a go when the header against the post that we all thought was by Rasiak was revealed to have been an own goal attempt by Shittu. Saints were making more frequent errors, but Davis rescued several situations until the 44th minute when a poor attempt at a punch allowed Smith plenty of time to gather and provide Shittu with an easy far post header. Nevertheless we still entered half time in a good mood as Dyer fed Rasiak in injury time and the Pole did the rest.

Saints restarted with Euell on for the ineffective John but they did not begin well and Davis had to show that his skills as a shot stopper are not diminished by his woeful competency with crosses.

Then both sides made substitutions that were to have a telling affect on the outcome. For Saints, Wright-Phillips replaced Rasiak and as Euell dropped back, we were playing with two wide forwards and no central striker. The move paid dividends a few minutes later when Dyer cut inside and measured a superb curling shot around Poom.

Watford's move was more basic, with the robust skills of Henderson replacing the neater ones of Ellington, and Henderson obliged from close range when a classic ball inside the full back set up a cross. The game was heading to an honourable draw when a keen linesman penalised Makin in injury time, and although Saints half cleared the free kick, a scramble ensued when it was returned, and Henderson netted the winner.

A huge disappointment for Saints fans everywhere... no doubt including the rained-off LSSC cricketers watching on TV in Edinburgh - in a far off land not noted for its compassion towards beaten English sports teams.

LSSC Man of the Match: Nathan Dyer - an assist and a goal. If he could add some consistency, his progress this season could be very exciting.