Saints started with a strong starting line up and mixed and matched after the hour mark, but held on for the fourth pre season victory in a row.

With local pride at stake the tempo was upped for the visit across the New Forest to take on AF Bournemouth, Ronald Koeman starting with a solid starting XI including the returning Gaston Ramirez who got the first half under his belt before being replaced at half time by Jack Cork.

Although the scoreline suggests a close game settled only by Lloyd Isgrove's diving header from a pinpoint Clyne cross, the reality was that Saints were rarely troubled apart from a deflected shot just before the break and a goal ruled out for offside nar the end.

Again whilst pre season results cannot be used as any great yardstick there were plenty of plus points especially the fine showing from the Saints youngsters again as well as the play of Gaston Ramirez who showed plenty of enthusiasm that suggested that perhaps he feels a change of style in Saints play might suit him .

Ronald Koeman has expressed himself as happy with the result and you can understand why, Saints just need to continue pre season as they have started it and add a few new signings and they will be more than ready for the big kick off in three weeks time

Photo: Action Images

abingdonsaint added 09:26 - Jul 26 Played some decent stuff, particularly in the first half, but it was only Bournemouth. Pre-season results are irrelevant anyway, and we haven't played anyone yet. We need to careful about building a false sense of security here. If Chambers and Lovren go this weekend, RK needs to bring in some serious quality very very soon. That will be difficult as selling all your best players does not exactly send a positive message to new recruits! Also makes me laugh that if we were so far away from the top sides last season, how come the Champions League clubs all want our players? Frustrating!!!!

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Ddobsy added 09:50 - Jul 26 Nothing to be depressed about in the results or performances so far. Conclusion: Our kids are better than your kids.... We knew that anyway... Lots of opportunities for Koeman to prove how good he is, based on the fact that Adkins could only just keep us out of the bottom 4 with a team without Chambers, Lovren, Shaw. Defensive quality was always our problem before we signed Boruc et al. Great to hear Gaston looked good, as he could be the key next season. I don't believe Lallana was any better at that age. At least we are in stripes too!

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slynch added 10:54 - Jul 26 Was it me, or was Ramirez 2" taller than last year?
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codge added 13:38 - Jul 26 While l agree with much of your assessment of the game the most obvious observation from the result last night was we are lacking in a number of positions, if as is being reported we are about to loose another three player's we are going to really struggle if we don't get some player's in quickly. My fear now is that we may now be going with to many youngsters, seems like to many going out and not enough coming in.l am still hoping I'm wrong..

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VeloSaint added 21:01 - Jul 26 Cherries one the best possession sides in the championship and they struggled nearly all game. There some positive signs from the way Koeman has set the team up, technically we still look very good and the intensity of our play looks set to continue. It's significant that theses kids are coming through and slotting in almost seamlessly. They won't all feature that much next season but it bodes very well and gives cause for optimism even with players being sold. Add some more quality to this side and I don't think there's much to worry about next season.

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