A controlled performance by Saints
For the first time in a while Saints put in a controlled display in which they dominated from start to finish and never looked like conceding let alone losing.
Obviously an early goal helped settle the nerves of both the players and the crowd, not to mention denting the fragile confidence of the South London side, from then on it was dominance.
Perhaps the biggest factor in this was the inclusion of both Ryan Dickson and Frazer Richardson, being blunt last year both of these players were rated as amongst the best in the division, so it has been puzzling as to why they havent had much of a look in, quite simply both looked good defenders, big strong and fast, they stopped Charlton getting down our wings and Dickson especially got forward well and put in good crosses.
This seemed to spur the whole defence including the keeper who again looked assured in keeping the first clean sheet in five games and it provided a great platform to build on as Saints dominated the game.
After getting the second goal, Saints didnt go mad, yes at times they could have and indeed should have probably added a third to make it safe, but they made sure that if there was to be a third goal in the game it wouldnt be a Charlton one, in the final 20 minutes Saints played a controlled defensive game that was aimed at keeping Charlton passing the ball in areas they couldnt hurt us and also ensuring we didnt pick up any more injuries or cards.
This result now swings that pendulum into our favour, two points behind Huddersfield and two games in hand, the pressure is now on them and indeed Peterborough when they meet on Saturday.
But for Saints it was a good nights work tainted only by injuries to Lallana and Stephens, however at times like these other heroes emerge as with the case of Forte on Saturday, last night Guly showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, Dickson and Richardson proved they should be first choice, Gobern showed he is now ready and pushing for more action on the pitch and it was good to see David Connolly back, how vital he could be in the run in.
Last night we showed the depth of our squad, we continued our march on and perhaps for the first time in a while we gelled as a side and instilled the confidence that we now need to fear no one in the final eight games, Saturday is a big day, Saints just need to focus on beating Orient.