6:10pm Saturday 16th August 2008
By Adam Leitch
JAN Poortvliet admitted his disappointment at seeing his Saints side slip to their second league defeat of the season despite taking the lead against Birmingham.
Saints were excellent in the first half and deserved their 1-0 interval advantage, given to them by Chris Perry.
But in the second half the game changed completely with goals from Gary O'Connor and former Saints striker Kevin Phillips condemning Poortvliet's team to a second defeat in their opening two Championship matches.
The Saints head coach said: "It is disappointing when you lose in a game like that but it has happened and we have to learn from it.
"Next time I don't think it will happen like that.
"First half we deserved the lead, maybe more than that, but sometimes we used it a bit too much when we have to go for goals.
"Second half I think they played better, it was hard and they were physically strong.
"I think their first goal was not necessary. It came out of the air and it was disappointing for the team and you could see it.
"Then we needed some time to get over it and then you see the second goal.
"That's football and we have to learn the things out of it."
For more match reaction, see Monday's Daily Echo.
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