A good win but a scrappy error strewn game. I can't agree with Russell saying it was our best performance of the season. Stoke had loads of players out injured but we only just scraped the win.Never fully controlled the game and fortunate not to give away at least one penalty. Thought Bednarek and the defence did well (penalty incident apart) but Manning was awful. At least five stupid errors in giving the ball away. We wasted chances to kill the game off and it was far too close for comfort.

3

Good teams win even when playing badly.

About time we had some iffy refereeing decisions go for us. These are supposed to even out over time, so long due.

Scrappy performance- literally for Charly after the whistle. I'll take a confidence building 1-0 any day.

Stu showed why he should start. Dynamic. KWP was also great at getting forward quickly. Jan B and CHB are beginning to fit together nicely. Even everyone's favourite Scape goat Manning did well last night. Still think Will and Flynn need to hit the JWP gym schedules to beef up, just like he did under Ralph, to develop from skinny lads who are easy to knock off the ball to become solid prem level midfielders.

Definite improvement last night in attitude and not just results.

COYR

0

Good result & another good first half, we're still a bit edgy when under pressure but getting there.
Super goal & support was excellent as always away from home.
Have to wait until Thursday for train home but it was worth it.
COYR

2

Played well enough. No stupid mistakes although at times they looked tempted. What I can't believe is that Martin kept the same team in the same positions - when was the last time that happened to a Saints team. He kept the best players in the team and surprisingly that worked (sarcasm)!
The defence looked alright and - a favourite bugbear for Nick - Bednarek led it well. Manning had a 50/50 game though and I honestly believe Perraud was a much better player - I'd have him back and in the team immediately.
The midfield played OK. Downes had his best games for Saints so far and was one of Saints best players. Stu A played well but him and Smallbone still lose too much possession in midfield. Even though he had a slightly shaky start, Charles came on and looked terrific in that role. If I'd make one change for the next game it would be Charles for Smallbone. Alcarez was OK but he can only improve once he gets his head sorted to come somewhere the form that he showed for us when he first came to the club. worth persevering with.
Sulemana is coming into his own and was a very good without the guile of the Leeds victory. The problem with seeing an exciting Saints player now is that you're constantly reminded that the longer he continues to look great, the closer the day when he'll disappear to another club. If you sign a contract, I'd like all players to play at least two years. That would really help teams like Saints out ie. all Championship teams and lower, but I won't hold my breath. Again A Armstrong was terrific with his running and effort and he didn't really have any chances. Chances were far and few between. Mara missed a decent chance and failed to pass to Aribo when Saints broke late on. Aribo - I thought - looked decent, that non-existant pass just had me wondering what would have happened had Mara laid it off. Mara really need to be finding his Mojo and playing in a first team somewhere, coming off the bench is a waste of time.

1