Saints v Barnsley Match Report.
Saints fell to a sucker punch, as having got their way back into the game after going 2-0 down, they threw it away in the last minute of additional time when they allowed Barnsley to reclaim all 3 points.
The 2nd half was nearly all saints with a lot of chances created, but they either squandered them or came across an impressive goalkeeping display by Muller.
Saints probably deserved at least a point on the 2nd half display, but you have to ask how they got into the situation in the first place, as Barnsley looked hungrier and more determined in the first half.
Burley decided to start with Wright Philips and Saga, leaving top scorer Rasiak on the bench. This was a bit of a mystery and clearing didn’t work.
Then at half time he withdrew Wright Philips, but turned to Stern John, again ignoring the top scorer, when it was clear we needed to score goals.
One can’t help thinking this is a personal matter.
Davis – Did ok, not much chance with the 2 excellent free kicks – 6
Wright – Was poor, gave the ball away, and offers nothing in terms of an attacking force. Booed by home supporters in 2nd half. – 4
Vignal - Gave it his all. A few flying tackles, no Gareth Bale with his crossing, but put the effort it - 7
Dailey – Steady enough for most of the game, clearly lacks pace as you would expect but good positional - 7
Thomas - Strong in air and defended pretty well – 7
Hammill – Shows signs of a real start, but sometimes a little too keen to show his tricks, would like to see him on right when he can whip better crosses in – 7
Surman – not his best display, seemed a bit lightweight at times when playing in the centre of midfield. - 6
Safri - Again not his best, when teams battle away in midfield as Barnsley did then, I’m just not sure Safri and Surman are our best combination. - 6
Viafara – typical performance, full of running and battling, what he lacks in shooting and passing skills he makes up for with work rate. - 7
Saga – Not back to his performances of last year, but getting sharper all the time. Took goal well – 7
Wright Philips – Poor performance overall, didn’t seem interested, didn’t run into space, and all in all was pretty ineffective and taken off at half time – 5
Subs
John – Missed a sitter. – 5
Rasiak – Introduced late on – but looked most likely to score.
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