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.    

Photo: Action Images

jrewing added 09:49 - Apr 6 I agree with this summary
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splurty added 10:15 - Apr 6 I also agree with the above ,would just like to add sir Ricky of lamberts passing in the opposition half was letissier like at times ,the way he brought down a long ball on the end of his toe and then the outside of the boot to play in barny who in turn played in gully WOW what a goal ! Also very pleased with kelvins antisipation of his line to sweep up in tricky situations I for one didn't think he could ever do it .COYR bring on the orient ...

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hortonsaint added 10:47 - Apr 6 I'll hold my hands up Nick ,Dickson was superb last night and I sincerely hope that continues. He needs to prove he can do it away from home whilst under sustained pressure from a decent winger but he certainly looked the part last night. Nice to see some recognition that Kelvin's form jas picked up and it is noticable that since Adkins arrival he plays a much greater role in sweeping up behind the defence. Obviously this can risk misjudgement but he seems to be making the correct decisions currently

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LostBoys added 11:27 - Apr 6 A good performance with everyone playing well. I hope lallana and Stephens have just got minor knocks. Only one request - please do not sing 'we are going up' with half an hour to play it gives me nightmares although Charlton never looked like scoring.
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legod7 added 11:31 - Apr 6 Agood report EXCEPT one very important issue. I think up until last night's game both Butterfield and Harding have been outstanding as our two regular full backs. So how can you say after just ONE game that Richardson and Dickson should BOTH be first choice.Yes they were both very good I grant you that. But it was against a very average Charlton Athletic side
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Lostboy added 11:40 - Apr 6 NA posting as legod7? Harding has been no better than average, Butterfield hasn't done a lot wrong but isn't a RB and certainly isn't Richardson, with his ability to get forward (and back again). As for the poster that suggested that Dickson needs to learn to do it away, just pop back and have a look at some of the results away when he's played. 0-6 at Oldham for a start. Good to see someone also pretending to be me.

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hortonsaint added 11:45 - Apr 6 I'm saying he needs to do it consitently and when the team is under pressure- I don't think he was under much pressure in a 6-0 win. Granted he played at Dagenham and did well. But I hope to see him hold his place and show he is the best LB in the club which I previously doubted and hope to be proven wrong
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bstokesaint added 12:17 - Apr 6 Generally a fair assessment Nick. I still can't help feeling that we are yet to hit top gear, which can only be a good thing and hopefully if we go up we can "do a Norwich." We were pretty comfortable last night (with the exception of one early threat from Charlton at 0-0 - which was thnakfully squandered). Very pleased to see both Dickson and Richardson in the first XI. I think both are very capable full backs and wouldn't argue if they were both first team choices. I also concur with Splurty's Rickie Lambert comments. Some of his take-down's, hold-up and link-up play was excellent last night. His indiviudal goal scoring tally may have suffered as a result but our goals are coming from everywhere now, as they should with a good side. The next two games will decide our season. Yes, there will be twists and turns, but if we could win both of them then I believe the home straight will be nicely in view.

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zoso added 12:36 - Apr 6 If harding has been outstanding where do you get your gear from.
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legod7 added 15:43 - Apr 6 No I am not NA in disguise. When he took over Saints were in 22nd place. They are now 3rd. In his first game in charge he started with Butterfield & Harding as HIS first choice full backs. They have kept their places for most of the season so far. Not bad for the 2 worst full backs at the club as the rest of you on here believe. Richardson & Dickson come in for just ONE game in a very tight schedule of games and according to you lot they should have been there all the time. YOU ARE ALL VERY SAD PEOPLE

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bstokesaint added 17:22 - Apr 6 Not sure that having an opinion on your own team makes you sad, but each to their own! Both Richardson and Dickson had outstanding seasons at their respective clubs last year, so they're not unprovens. The fact is we actually have good depth in squad and have that choice. Harding hasn't been as good this season as he was last and butterfield reads the game well, but lacks a little pace. Both are still top players, but my preference would be last night's defensive pairing.

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rjh added 06:13 - Apr 7 Dickson I have always rated and have been baffled as to why he has not been a regular. Orient and Rochdale will call our season for me. Six points and we will go up.
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