Printer-friendly pageMonday, August 14, 2006
Against West Brom Saints were again slow out of the blocks and were badly disorganised as Hartson, surely the one player every Championship defender knows all about, was allowed a free header in the 2nd minute.
Kelvin Davies has still to convince a few of us, but his fine early save may have won the eventual point - and maybe just a crucially denied Albion another couple. Saints do look a bit more creative this season, so far we've never got into the 'we will ever score?' mood, and half chances did appear.
They disappeared just as quickly against what could be the division's meanest defence, but at the other end Hartson's physical excesses were curbed by a yellow card that could have been red, while Ellington limped off after 25 minutes.
Another improved showing in the second half was not enough to record a win, but Wright-Phillips went close with a cross shot and Baird should have done better with the loose ball from a corner. Oh, and Bale missed with a free kick.
To be fair to him, he did hit the base of the post with Zuberbuhler stranded - expect some unwelcome headlines when the January transfer window opens. Meanwhile Saints are playing like a top 6 club, but don't look likely to run away with the league as Reading did. The question is whether there is anyone else capable of emulating the Royals.
LSSC Man of the Match: Chris Baird. It's a bit tough to for any centre back to come up against Steve Howard, Stern John & Dele Adebola and then John Hartson all in seven days. To do it as second choice behind Pele and Lundekvam has been a big ask.
