On Sunday and Wednesday showings, a long hard season lays ahead for saints.

While at times, Saints play some good football, even Ipswich, a team not known for its physical approach managed to bully the young Saints side.

Something that was clear to most Saints fans from the start, should now be clear to the board, that despite all the rhetoric about playing youngsters and how they will give their all, that unless there is a good blend of youth and experience, and unless we compete on the physical side of the game in least in some quarters, we will be rolled over by teams with far less ability than ours.

Every time the ball is played into the box, Saints fans have the heart in their mouths, as impressive as Cork is on the Ground; he is not great in the air.  Chris Perry had the defence better organised, but is not the tallest of defenders and also struggled in the air against the taller and bigger Ipswich players.
  
In truth, Ipswich should have left with all 3 points, and would have as well, if it had not been for another man of the match display from Kelvin Davis.

I believe the loan window closes at the end of this month, and especially with Svensson and Thomas out injured, Saints really need to do some business to bring some experienced physical players that can do the dirty work, to allow the brighter youngsters in the saints team to shine.

As it is players like Lallana have to take on the responsibilities that are usually that of senior players, and it will in the long term effect their games and their progress.

Of course, money is tight, but if so why do we keep bringing more youngsters in, when clearly more experience and dare I say it Muscle is needed.

Tomorrows game against Barnsley looks like a must win already.  I am sure they will be up for the physical side of the game; I just hope Saints will be too.

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