Saints produced another lacklustre display at St Marys, as manager less Derby held Saints to a nil nil draw. In fact the away team had the better of a poor game.
George Burley gave four new signings their home debuts, but the fresh impetus failed to change Saints fortunes.
The new look team was disjointed and will clearly need time to gel, though Saints need some points soon, as we find ourselves in another scrap at the wrong end of the table.
Peter Madsen made his debut up front, starting alongside Kenwyne Jones. The Danish international showed his pedigree with some intelligent runs and positioning, but he was very short of fitness and was subsequently withdrawn at half time, to be replaced by Dexter Blackstock.
The first half had been disjointed with little attacking verve from either side. This no doubt added to the Saints fans frustrations and unsurprisingly led to another sing song for Rupert Lowe, as the old favourite ‘We want Rupert out’ was shouted from the Northam End by the angst ridden faithful.
George Burley wants to see everyone get behind the team to turn round the clubs fortunes: ‘The fans’ protests did not help. You could see the edginess in the players and we need everyone pulling in the same direction.’
The manager pulled no punches with his appraisal of the first half, stating that it had been ‘like watching paint dry. We were awful and it was very poor’
The second half produced more attacking opportunities, but most were created by Derby, Idiakez causing the most problems for the Saints ineffective midfield.
Luckily our defence looked solid, new signing Ostlund was particularly impressive, as were Claus and Higgy at centre back. If any positives can be taken from the performance its that our strong base should give Burley something to build a team on. Defence is the first thing you need to get right to spread confidence through the rest of the side.
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