December 11th 2010 – January 3rd 2010
Saints went into the festive season with a home match against the unfancied Bee’s from Brentford. This was a game I missed due to work commitments, and I’m so glad I did! From what I’ve seen and heard, this was possibly our worst home performance under Nigel Adkins. Brentford took the lead following a mistake from the Club number 1 Kelvin Davies. As many of you may know, Kelvis as I like to call him is not my cup of tea. From day one I have said I don’t rate this keeper. Yes, he may be a good shot stopper and decent penalty saver, but the other aspects of his game are shocking. He doesn’t command his area, doesn’t talk to his defence enough and stays rooted to his line allowing opposition teams to benefit from how static he is. I was told it was a good thing I wasn’t at the game or I may have been escorted from the ground following this error! Brentford further increased the lead mid way through the half and were able to hold on for all 3 points. This bought an end to our decent home run and hopefully we can get another run going ASAP!
It was a further 17 days before our next match due to the Siberian weather we have been having. Special mention to all the saints fans who made the trip to Charlton on Boxing day, only to have Andy D’Urso call off the game less than an hour before kick off as the linesman might have had to run on slippery ground! An absolute disgrace and I hope the FA will conduct some sort of investigation, of course we all know this will not happen!
Saints finally got some game time with a home match against one of the divisions more potent attacks. Huddersfield were the visitors to St Marys and on paper would provide a stern test for the Red and Whites. Saints started brightly but fell behind to a goal on the break, Lee Novak headed home from a delightful cross to give the terriers the lead. Saints seemed to switch off for a few minutes and paid the price. We were soon level when the big man Lambert powered home a shot from the edge of the box, his first goal from open play in a long time. Saints grew in confidence and started knocking the ball around and moving the opposition around. This movement was creating space for our wingers who were terrorising the full backs. Alex Chamberlain again looked to have the pace on the left back, who was eventually subbed after 30 minutes. This didn’t help Huddersfield’s cause, as a minute later Chamberlain used his quick feet to bury a low shot into the net following good hold up play from Guly.
The second half started with a bang as Lallana, who again was showing off his skill with some sublime touches, delivered a perfect free kick from the right and Jaidi rose to power home an unstoppable header. 3-1 and cruising. Huddersfield had come to St Mary’s and played too open and left massive holes for Saints to run into. This was highlighted 10 minutes from time as good build up again lead to Guly setting up Chaplow for a fourth. Saints ran out easy winners and in all honesty could have scored many more following 25 efforts on goal. A great way to recover from the previous poor result.
New Years day bought another home game for the Saints. This time we took on Paul Tisdale’s Exeter who have had an impressive season and were sat comfortably in mid table. The game started fairly evenly as both teams seemed happy to knock the ball about and try to create space. We finally took the lead on 19 minutes as Guly produced a lovely measured finish in front of the Northam end. Our Brazilian Samba Superstar seems to have settled into League 1 football and is now producing some lovely football and is forming a blossoming partnership with Rickie Lambert.
Guly again got Saints off to a flyer in the second half tapping in after Chamberlain had ruined yet another full back and then very intelligently squared the ball to create the chance. Saints were now playing with extreme confidence and the midfield pairing of Chaplow and Morgan were running the show. We further extended the lead as Lallana cut in from the left and curled a low shot into the far corner. Guly then had the moment to complete a well deserved hat-trick and after rounding the keeper, he looked on in disbelief as a defender somehow got back onto the line and cleared the ball away. Nigel Adkins started to rest a few players and we were treated to “Bernie” and Oscar Gobern coming on for the final 20 minutes. Bernie made up for some missed chances in the previous game by converting in injury time. 4-0 to the Saints and only 27 attempts on goal in this match!
Saints finished off the festive program with a tricky looking tie away at Dagenham & Redbridge. Over 1000 Saints fans made the Trip to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium. We were housed in the only decent stand they have behind the goal. The saints fans seemed in high spirits following our climb into second place and the team responded. The pitch at Dagenham was a leveller. Lots of bobbles and it cut up very easily. This affected our passing game and despite many chances in the first half, we went in at half time 0-0. Again our midfield dominated the game and we seemed to have a game plan to cope with the awful pitch. The defence were happy to clear the ball long away from our goal and we tried playing football in the home teams half.
Yet again Saints got off to an impressive start to the second half. Adam Lallana further enhanced his reputation with an acrobatic volley with beat the Dagger’s Keeper. The goal seemed to settle any nerves Saints had and we carrying on knocking the ball around with ease. The lead was extended when Guly cut in from the right and produced a cultured finish with his left foot. This was game over and Saints looked to see the game out in a professional manner. But typical Saints! We gave away a silly goal from a cross, yet again Kelvis stayed glued to his line. For some unknown reason, this goal seemed to drain any confidence or common sense Saints had and we panicked. Dagenham were quicker to the tackle and seemed to want it more. They got a free kick about 25 yards out and Kelvis produced a good save to keep it out with the help of the bar. Dagenham claimed the ball had crossed the line, but ref and linesman both said no goal much to the relief of the travelling army. Rickie Lambert then wrapped up the 3 points with a deft flick over the advancing Tony Roberts in injury time, from my view there was a definite suspicion of handball from the Saints number 7, but we’ll take a goal anyway we can. A top performance away from home and the Saints are chasing hard for top spot!
As the transfer window is now open I look forward to seeing what further additions the club will make following the bargain capture of Richard Chaplow. I do love this time of year as the rumour mill goes into overtime, best rumour so far is that Michael Owen will be joining to challenge Guly for a starting slot. Ha Ha, Pure genius!
A big thank you to all those that have been able to read this and if you have any comments, good or bad please get in touch.
Special thanks to my very good friend Alan who is helping spread the word by advertising this blog on his own website. Please visit www.bellsofhythe.co.uk for all your outdoor sports needs!
All the best
Neel
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