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Saints send Foxes crashing out
5:05pm Saturday 5th January 2008
Comments (27)Saints ended their six game winless streak and with it earned a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Leicester at St Mary's.
George Burley's side were always in control against the Foxes and bagged both goals in the first half.
Though they dominated possession in the second half as well they couldn't get a third goal to kill the game off but it proved irrelevant as they kept their opponents at bay with a degree of comfort.
Saints had appeals for a penalty turned down in the opening minutes when Grzegorz Rasiak went down in the area under the challenge of Patrick Kisnorbo but he seemed to go down easily and Andy D'Urso wasn't having any of it.
Leicester got the ball in the Saints net a few moments later but the referee's whistle had long gone for a foul on Kelvin Davis from a corner.
Gareth McAuley produced a brilliant last ditch tackle to prevent Bradley Wright-Phillips from finishing when he had charged through in behind from Jason Euell's pass.
Wright-Phillips felt there was a chance of a penalty but McAuley's sliding challenge from behind was brilliantly timed to just get a toe to the ball.
Saints somehow managed to keep the ball out at the other end moments later when they couldn't clear Iain Hume's free kick and Davis managed to save on the line from Steve Howard.
But having recovered from that they took the lead on 15 minutes thanks to a terrific finish from Andrew Surman.
The ball came into him just inside the area on the right side around waist height, he flicked it round the corner, spun the defender and half volleyed across Paul Henderson into the far corner for 1-0.
It could have been level a minute later when Howard headed back across goal for Barry Hayles who was in behind the Saints defence in the six yard box but tried to control the high ball and allowed Davis to clear the danger.
Saints continued to show the greater quality after that point but the game was a little more scrappy.
Leicester's main threat was an aerial one with direct balls played up to the head of Howard with Hayles, Matt Fryatt and Hume trying to get up to support him.
Gregory Vignal became the first booked on 35 minutes for a foul.
But his free kick a minute later saw Saints double the lead.
It was from the right and only ten yards inside the Leicester half but Vignal whipped it dangerously with his left foot and with players challenging for the ball and the keeper lost in a crowd of players it ended up in the net for 2-0.
There was some dispute as to whether it went straight in but it appeared to take a flick off Richard Stearman.
Euell hit the post three minutes later but the referee blew for a foul in the build-up.
Saints ended the half well on top and looking to have the beating of Leicester in all departments and underlined it with their two goal lead.
Leicester made a double change at half time with Andy King and Bruno N'Gotty on for Kenton and Fryatt.
Adam Hammill got in the box and nearly got himself a goal on 51 minutes, meeting a low near post cross with a diving header but not quite getting enough on it to direct it on target.
Wright-Phillips was the next to have a chance.
He picked up a Rasiak lay-off and worked himself a yard to get away a shot just inside the area but could only pick out the keeper.
Howard tried an audacious effort from 35 yards out on the half volley which was well struck but straight at Davis.
Despite that effort it was still Saints that were well on top with Leicester struggling for any kind of rhythm and also struggling for much quality.
But Saints needed a third goal to kill the game off.
N'Gotty was the second player given a booking for a foul moments before Saints came so close to that third goal.
Rasiak met Surman's corner with a powerful diving header through a crowd of players but Henderson reacted superbly to get down and produce a reaction save diving to his left to keep it out.
Euell so nearly got on the end of Rasiak whipped cross from the right but couldn't quite reach it as Saints continued their search for a decider.
At the other end Saints were tight and were reducing Leicester to shots from distance that weren't troubling Davis.
As the half wore on the Foxes were looking increasingly bereft of ideas and Saints were just happy to run the clock down and see what happened.
When Saints won a corner with seven minutes remaining both centre halves remained on the halfway line and bodies were not over committed as they tried to see the game out.
Typical of Leicester's attacking efforts was when Howard manage to turn his man in the area but put in a heavy touch and could only stand and watch as the ball dribbled behind for a goal kick.
Hammill tried an effort from 25 yards that curled wide of the target but it proved to be his last touch of the match.
Burley made his first change with five minutes remaining with David McGoldrick coming on for Hammill.
Leicester had a treble chance to give the game an interesting finish when first Davis saved from Stearman, the follow-up was blocked and then Hayles slid in at the far post but could only direct the ball wide.
Safri got booked in injury time for time wasting before Rasiak curled an effort just over the bar.
Leicester had the last attacking play of the game but Davis came and grabbed the flick on from a long throw.
When the final whistle blew there were smiles around St Mary's again with Saints running out comfortable winners and booking themselves a place in Monday's fourth round draw.
Your Say YourThis is Hampshire
Murray, Kent says...
5:14pm Sat 5 Jan 08
It is a start bring on next week. A game we should win.
deej - the wise man from the south, farnboro says...
5:20pm Sat 5 Jan 08
adscm, Somerset says...
6:03pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Keith (secret arsenal supporter), in the pub says...
6:04pm Sat 5 Jan 08
adscm, Somerset says...
6:06pm Sat 5 Jan 08
deej - the wise man from the south wrote:Sorry. This post should have looked like this :- And would you still have thought it a good idea, deej, if GB had put those two players on with that amount of time to go, and Leicester scored two or more goals to get back into the tie? Or would you have blamed him for messing around with the formation and/or lineup when we were comfortably holding the oppostion at bay!! Giving the two players 15 minutes might have been right. Putting McGoldrick on with just 5 minutes to go was obviously more to do with wasting a bit of time at the end of the match than giving the player a run out. Good winyes it is a good win. but the win is flawed by burleys lack of knowledge of the football game. 3 subs are allowed. its an fa cup. 2 nil up at home at half an hour left. we should have let idiakez and mcgoldrick have a run about. burley out! though Saints. Now a few more please.
yes it is a good win. but the win is flawed by burleys lack of knowledge of the football game. 3 subs are allowed. its an fa cup. 2 nil up at home at half an hour left. we should have let idiakez and mcgoldrick have a run about. burley out!
The Relegator, says...
6:14pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Martin Orford, says...
6:16pm Sat 5 Jan 08
1. Surman and Hammill were played on their correct sides and were a threat all afternoon.
2. We fielded a right-footed right back (the much maligned Jermaine Wright) and a left- footed left back (the previously disappointing Vignal). Both were outstanding.
3. Both centre halves concentrated on simple and effective defending to completely snuff out any threat from Hayles and Howard.
4. Rasiak started a game at last and deserved a goal.
5. Our style of play was much quicker and more direct than usual and as a result the Leicester goal was under continuous threat for much of the game. The usual over-patient fannying around in the middle of the park was thankfully absent.
Minus points:
None today.
It's amazing how good this squad can suddenly look when everyone is played in their correct position, so we would like more of the same please.
Are you listening to us George? Maybe you are.
Jonny Fartpants, says...
6:18pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Or Pompey v Stains.
Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.
Somerset Saint, Somerset says...
6:39pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Jonny Fartpants wrote:I'd rather have Havant & Waterlooville if they get thru the replay! (good effort on their part btw).
Stains v Pompey in the next round. Or Pompey v Stains. Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.
batista, usa says...
6:48pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Somerset Saint wrote:pompey or arsenal looks better in the next round,
Jonny Fartpants wrote: Stains v Pompey in the next round. Or Pompey v Stains. Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.I\'d rather have Havant & Waterlooville if they get thru the replay! (good effort on their part btw).
FISHY WIFE, Dubia says...
7:13pm Sat 5 Jan 08
M275, Farlington Creek says...
7:42pm Sat 5 Jan 08
PJ, New Forest says...
7:57pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Martin Orford wrote:Spot on Martin. Couldn't have put it better myself, but how long has it taken GB to realise what us regular watchers have known for a long time? Let's see what team and tactics he picks of the next game versus Scunthorpe!!
Criticism has got to work both ways. And Saints fans (myself in particular)have dished out plenty of flak in recent weeks in response to Mr Burley\'s team selections. So just for a change let\'s look at some positives: 1. Surman and Hammill were played on their correct sides and were a threat all afternoon. 2. We fielded a right-footed right back (the much maligned Jermaine Wright) and a left- footed left back (the previously disappointing Vignal). Both were outstanding. 3. Both centre halves concentrated on simple and effective defending to completely snuff out any threat from Hayles and Howard. 4. Rasiak started a game at last and deserved a goal. 5. Our style of play was much quicker and more direct than usual and as a result the Leicester goal was under continuous threat for much of the game. The usual over-patient fannying around in the middle of the park was thankfully absent. Minus points: None today. It\'s amazing how good this squad can suddenly look when everyone is played in their correct position, so we would like more of the same please. Are you listening to us George? Maybe you are.
Come on George, you know you can get it right again!
BIGMAN`, bitterne says...
8:26pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Southampton are preparing a bid for Yoann Folly the former saints player has fallen down the pecking order at Sheffield Wednesday and wants a move back to the south coast. Southampton are ready to off load Rasiak to Premier League basement boys Derby, Wigan are also interested in the former Derby and Totthernam striker. Southampton are looking to sell the striker for 2 million. With that cash Southampton are looking for a new Centre Back and a new striker.
jamie sholing, southampton says...
8:46pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Alex, Hedge End says...
9:16pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Phil De Managersglass, Widwater says...
9:35pm Sat 5 Jan 08
PJ wrote:Just one minus point... Jason Euell a waste of space. What happened with Vignal Man of the Match.
Martin Orford wrote: Criticism has got to work both ways. And Saints fans (myself in particular)have dished out plenty of flak in recent weeks in response to Mr Burley\\\'s team selections. So just for a change let\\\'s look at some positives: 1. Surman and Hammill were played on their correct sides and were a threat all afternoon. 2. We fielded a right-footed right back (the much maligned Jermaine Wright) and a left- footed left back (the previously disappointing Vignal). Both were outstanding. 3. Both centre halves concentrated on simple and effective defending to completely snuff out any threat from Hayles and Howard. 4. Rasiak started a game at last and deserved a goal. 5. Our style of play was much quicker and more direct than usual and as a result the Leicester goal was under continuous threat for much of the game. The usual over-patient fannying around in the middle of the park was thankfully absent. Minus points: None today. It\\\'s amazing how good this squad can suddenly look when everyone is played in their correct position, so we would like more of the same please. Are you listening to us George? Maybe you are.Spot on Martin. Couldn\'t have put it better myself, but how long has it taken GB to realise what us regular watchers have known for a long time? Let\'s see what team and tactics he picks of the next game versus Scunthorpe!! Come on George, you know you can get it right again!
deej, farnboro says...
12:31am Sun 6 Jan 08
david warner, gosport says...
9:27am Sun 6 Jan 08
a nice cup run would do good for confidence and the bank balance so lets hope for another home tie in mondays draw.
and hopefully a bit of form in the cup can transfer itself to the league, scunthorpe next week is a must win if we are to have any chance of making the playoffs, its as simple as that!
and the rumours about kia joorabchian investing in the saints is good news for the club. if its true, a young businessman with experience in the game and a bit of money behind him would surely be a good deal for us!
come on the saints for 2008!!
saint38, southampton says...
10:11am Sun 6 Jan 08
Martin Orford wrote:Great post. Just a couple of points to remember, come the next game how many changes will Burley make. Also i would put money on the above team being changed due to some so called injurys.
Criticism has got to work both ways. And Saints fans (myself in particular)have dished out plenty of flak in recent weeks in response to Mr Burley's team selections. So just for a change let's look at some positives: 1. Surman and Hammill were played on their correct sides and were a threat all afternoon. 2. We fielded a right-footed right back (the much maligned Jermaine Wright) and a left- footed left back (the previously disappointing Vignal). Both were outstanding. 3. Both centre halves concentrated on simple and effective defending to completely snuff out any threat from Hayles and Howard. 4. Rasiak started a game at last and deserved a goal. 5. Our style of play was much quicker and more direct than usual and as a result the Leicester goal was under continuous threat for much of the game. The usual over-patient fannying around in the middle of the park was thankfully absent. Minus points: None today. It's amazing how good this squad can suddenly look when everyone is played in their correct position, so we would like more of the same please. Are you listening to us George? Maybe you are.
As for Burley it is to little to late, for weeks fans have been asking for players to be played in their correct positions.
So i stand by my beleifs and this team will go nowhere until we have a consistant manager week in and week out.
fair play, says...
12:04pm Sun 6 Jan 08
John wrote:SECONDED
Deej - The Wise Man From The South you're a friggin idiot! BURLEY IN!
Thorshammer, Valhalla says...
7:38pm Sun 6 Jan 08
THE REAL BENJANI wrote:We want a big club at home, someone in the top five of the Premier League.
benjani wrote: oh sorry im' still licking my fishNah, licking my lips at the thought of STUFFIN you lot in the next round ! At St FAIRIES ! LUVINIT LUVINIT LUVINIT
Not some bunch of losers who are not able to
half fill their wooden fish tank poo hole for a cup match they lost.
mike greenslade, says...
9:27pm Sun 6 Jan 08
Jonny Fartpants wrote:We want to invade FARTTON PARK again just like back in 84 when stevie did the damage in the last minute. Happy Days!
Stains v Pompey in the next round. Or Pompey v Stains. Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.
Roll on the Draw tomorrow lunchtime.
boogeyman, london says...
10:55pm Sun 6 Jan 08
mike greenslade wrote:lets kill pompey in the fourth round
Jonny Fartpants wrote: Stains v Pompey in the next round. Or Pompey v Stains. Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.We want to invade FARTTON PARK again just like back in 84 when stevie did the damage in the last minute. Happy Days! Roll on the Draw tomorrow lunchtime.
Kate, Andover says...
8:24am Mon 7 Jan 08
Please, whatever you do, don't change it for the game against Scunthorpe (maybe bring Davies and Bennett back if you can).
I was impressed with the fight and passion that Saints played with - something we didn't see much of over the Christmas period - but I hope that confidence from that game will travel into our next few league games and we can start climbing up towards where we need to be.
Oh and bring on the Skates at SMS in the next round......
vegasaint, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HAMBLE says...
10:51am Mon 7 Jan 08
BENJANI wrote:You come from P*rtsmouth the inbred capital of the world and it is twinned with Jersey,Guernsey.Just heard that Terry Venables and Ian St John are to be given the freedom of Portsmouth by the Saints fan for their services to football on the south coast,well trying their best to send you lot into oblivion.They are legends in my eyes
Denzil wrote:Oh DENZIL DIPSTICK your so hard and you come from ROMSEY the hardnut capital of the south ! Lets hope we draw each other in the cup and we will arrange to meet up and we will show you some real Portsmouth hospitallity. POMPEY RULE and you obviously cant handle it, NORMAL SERVICE HAS BEEN RESUMED THERES ONLY ONE TEAM IN HAMPSHIRE, PORTSMOUTH! LUVINIT LUVINIT LUVINITBENJANI wrote:My god I would love to cave your head in, you illiterate skate piece of crap.andy wrote:NAH he got it right, STAINS YOU UCKING IDIOT! Another nice away win again today, Nuge scoring the only goal. Lets hope you draw H&W away cos it will be played at the Park and they will have a full house for that one. Or Pompey away to you scummers, so that we can stuff you once and for all at St FAIRIES ! LUVINIT LUVINIT LUVINITJonny Fartpants wrote: Stains v Pompey in the next round. Or Pompey v Stains. Either way a derby match would be rather interesting.yer but who the f uck are stains do u mean saints lol
Jason Euell in the win over Leicester today
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Chez, Cyprus says...
5:13pm Sat 5 Jan 08