Just as Saints looked to be into the next round, they conceded a sloppy late goal.
For long periods of this game Saints looked comfortable and although it was true that the home side enjoyed more possession and shot etc, for the most part even with a bit of a hot potch of a side, Saints looked comfortable and once Rickie Lambert had signalled his return with a good headed goal from a decent Dan Harding cross the result never looked in doubt till that late goal.
As expected there were quite a few changes, but in the main Nigel Adkins went for keeping his shape at the back and building from there as I hoped that he would do in the preview, the biggest surprise though was the return of Lee Barnard, who worked hard but obviously tired in the second half after so long with so little action.
Jason Puncheon looked eager to please and showed enough runs and touches to suggest that he should start on Tuesday against Cardiff, the emergence of Tadanari Lee was much anticipated, in truth he did little, but unlike the debutant on Monday, Falque, at least he looked like he knew what he was doing and held his position well, suggesting that although its a bit early to pass judgement on 27 minutes of football, that he could be an asset.
In short Saints looked like they were a side again and Nigel Adkins has a few big decisions to make for what is now a big big game against Cardiff, but in truth Im a lot more confident that we will put on a good display against the elsh side than I was a few days ago.
Plus points in the game were Bart came through another test and in the main held firm although there were some who felt he should have done a bit better on the goal, it could be though that he was a bit wrong footed and hence couldnt change direction, Danny ox in an unfamiliar central role also looked reasonable in the circumstances, but his main contribution was his organising and he stepped up to the plate well in this respect, Dan Harding did a fair job in deputising for him at left back and even added his first assist of the season with a decent cross for Lambert's goal, if he did this on a regular basis then I would not be so critical of him.
For some teams a replay might be a burden, but with our plethora of fringe players i would say its actually a good thing as it gives them a chance to not only show what they can do but keep them match fit, to put this line up in perspective I would expect only about 5 of this team to play in the same positions on Tuesday night.