Saints in the draw

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Rasiak and Hammill returned to the starting line-up to face Leicester, but we were without Davies and Bennett. That's because their respective owners didn't want them to be cup-tied, as is their right, but it is another indication of the problems of relying on loan players: I can't think that it does a lot for team bonding, and I am certain it doesn't help the fans identify with 'their' players. Loan deals are a fact of life, especially in the Championship, but I get the impression that the successful sides aim more for the long term deals rather than a continual coming and going.

There were new arrivals amongst the visitors for a makeshift pairing of Powell and Thomas to deal with as they have recently signed strikers Hayles and Howard - our old chum from Derby who did so much damage last year, largely because Pele was scared of him. I don't think Davis fancies coming up against him either, and not many saw a foul on the keeper by Howard before Leicester put the ball in the net from an early corner. Fortunately referee D'Urso was one who did, so it was Saints who took the lead on 15 minutes with Surman drilling home from the left.

A second before the break had a hint of fortune about it, but Vignal's good delivery from a free kick deserved reward and he may yet be credited with the goal, although it did seem as though defender Stearman managed a critical last touch.

Leicester made a double change at half time, but they didn't really threaten Southampton much and the match rather petered away, as we always really hope will happen with these interval leads.

LSSC Man of the Match: Andrew Surman - with that opening goal critical.

Southampton: Davis, Wright, Thomas, Powell, Vignal, Surman, Euell, Safri, Hammill (McGoldrick 85), Wright-Phillips, Rasiak.
Subs Not Used: Bialkowski, Skacel, John, Idiakez.

Booked: Vignal, Safri.

Goals: Surman 16, Vignal 36.

Leicester: Henderson, Stearman, Kisnorbo, McAuley, Sheehan, Kenton (King 46), Fryatt (N'Gotty 46), Wesolowski, Hume, Howard, Hayles.
Subs Not Used: James Chambers, Mattock, Hayes.

Booked: N'Gotty.

Att: 20,094

Ref: Andy D'Urso (Essex).