Wolves will never forget the last time Saints visited them, an under strength saints hit the Wolves for 6, which included a marvelous hat-trick for Polish striker Marek Saganowski.
Neither side managed to muster anything of note in the first half. A 20 yard shot from the impressive Mario Licka almost squermed under the Wolves keeper.
The first thing of note was an injury for Inigo Idiakez, which seemed to take some pace and class from the midfield. Jason Euell replaced him.
HALF TIME WOLVES 0-0 SOUTHAMPTON
Saints were forced into a half time change. Kelvin Davis was replaced by third choice keeper Micheal Poke, who had never made a senior appearence for Saints before, except in a Pre-Season friendly. He had been previously enjoying loan spells at Woking and Torquay. He was on the bench because Bartosz Bialkowski is also injured.
Saints were edging the play but went behind on 57 minutes. Ebanks-Blake got into the box and poked the ball over the line. Leaving Poke helpless.
On 74 minutes Saints were handed a lifeline. McGoldrick was tripped in the box and Saints had the chance to level the scores. GREGORY VIGNAL stepped up and smashed in the ball into the back of the net.
10 minutes from time Gregory Vignal got sent off, nobody could be sure what for, but it must have been an off the ball incident. The ref talked it over and showed the Frenchman the red card. Licka was also booked.
5 minutes from time Wolves looked like they had won it. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake netted after having the ball knocked down to him from a deep cross.
But 10 men Saints showed heart and Nigel Pearson got them really going for it! Saints won a corner which Super Mario Licka whipped in. Saints ‘boy boo’ JASON EUELL rose highest to head home for the Saints. A goal which stunned thousands of Wolves fans but sent the few Hundred Saints fans into pandamouim in the Stand.
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
Had little to do all game.
Jermaine Wright 6
Rarley overlapped.
Andrew Davies 7
Again steady for Saints again.
Wayne Thomas 6
Another average performance by Thommo.
Gregory Vignal 7
Worked well with Licka, scored a penalty and got sent-off. He was lucky it didn’t cost us.
Jhon Viafara 5
Not a winger. I’m sure Pearson will realise that soon enough.
Youssef Safri 6
Steadied the ship in midfield.
Inigo Idiakez 6
Got injured. AGAIN!
Mario Licka 8
Impressed from the left hand side. A new lease of life in ‘Super Mario’
Stern John 5
Failed to hold the ball up and link up with Marek Saganowski.
Marek Saganowski 5
Never looked to run in-behind the defence and didn’t work well with Stern John.
Jason Euell 7
Replaced Inigo Idiakez on 30 minutes
Didn’t make much of an impression except one shot and then his goal.
Micheal Poke 6
Replaced Kelvin Davis at half time.
Had little to do. Nice to see him get his chance though.
Replaced Marek Saganowski on 58 minutes.
Won a penalty and tried to link the play.