West Brom came to St Marys with many Saints fans fearing the impact that players such as John Hartson, Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening might have on the match. If truth be told the threat never came. Saints dominated the game for long periods and were extremely unlucky not to come away with all three points, a reward they undoubtedly deserved.
It was West Brom who threatened first in what was to be one of their few chances. Gera found Hartson unmarked in the box but his header was saved smartly by Kelvin Davis. Gera also hit a low drive from the edge of the area after five minutes but it was comfortably gathered by Davis. For the remainder of the game Hartson and Gera were both marshalled excellently by a faultless Saints defence.
As the game went on West Brom’s physical tactics were increasingly noticed as was the referee’s reluctance to give Saints players any protection from West Brom’s more physical challenges. John Hartson was very lucky to escape with just a yellow card when he lunged foot first at Alex Ostlund, it may have only been the right back’s honesty to get straight back up that saved Hartson further punishment.
The referee came in for a shower of abuse when Bradley Wright-Phillips was crudely hacked down by Steve Watson on the edge of the box only for the referee to wave away protests.
Saints then threatened when on 23 minutes Djamel Belmadi saw his shot blocked on the edge of the area, Wright-Phillips then put the ball in the net but saw his effort ruled out for offside.
After 25 minutes Nathan Ellington departed and Darren Carter came on, the substitute then took a free kick on the edge of the box which narrowly missed the angle of post and bar.
In the 34th minute ex Saint Nigel Quashie was booked for a crude challenge from behind on Belmadi.
A couple of minutes later Rasiak helped a Skacel pass towards Wright-Phillips who saw his shot saved well by Zuberbuhler.
Wright-Phillips and Rasiak then linked up again, Rasiak’s backheel setting up Wright-Phillips who fired his shot narrowly wide.
Half Time: Saints 0-0 WBA
The second half opened in much the same manner as the first half ended. Viafara put in a crunching tackle on Quashie and the Carter somehow got away with a quite blatant foul on Bale.
Saints continued to press and Rasiak ran into the box only to hit his shot straight at Zuberbuhler.
On 56 minutes Skacel was replaced by Surman.
Bradley Wright-Phillips then had another good chance to give Saints the lead but his powerful shot whistled inches past the post.
With little over 15 minutes to go a good chance fell the Chris Baird but he screwed his shot well wide after picking up the ball from a corner.
13 minutes from time Gareth Bale lined up a free kick, the crowd buzzed with expectancy, the young Welshman would have repeated the feat only to see his shot rebound off the foot of the post with keeper Zuberbuhler stranded.
In the last ten minutes Kenwyne Jones replaced the disappointing Rasiak and could have snatched victory for the Saints only to see his shot at an open goal blocked by the excellent Curtis Davies.
Final Score : Saints 0-0 WBA
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
Had little to do other than save well from Hartson in the first minute and smother a Gera shot.
Alex Ostlund 7
Another all action performance from the right back. He made a concious effort to support Belmadi whenever possible but was also mindful of his defensive duties.
Gareth Bale 7
Was extremely unlucky not to score with an excellent free kick, needs to work on his clearances and distribution which was a bit wayward at times today.
Chris Baird 9
An excellent performance, was solid as a rock in defence and frustrated Hartson for the whole game.
Pele 8
Another good performance from the new man, looked alot more calm and composed today, did an excellent job in stopping both Hartson and Gera.
Djamel Belmadi 7
Played well, he had the skill and dribbling to trouble the West Brom defence but his final ball was not so good at times.
Rudi Skacel 6
Was not able to get in the game, tired quickly and was soon replaced by Surman.
John Viafara 8
A much better performance from the ex Portsmouth man, he made some crunching tackles, his distribution was much better and he even got forward to support the strikers.
Jermaine Wright 7
A solid enough performance, he did well to help Saints dominate midfield in the second half, sometimes plays the ball to the wrong player when there is somebody else in a better position.
Gregorz Rasiak 6
Seemed a little off the pace, his shooting lacked conviction and he was beaten in the air by Perry and Davies.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 8
Was very unlucky not to score, was Saints main danger man and looked a threat every time he had the ball.
Andrew Surman 8
Played a very encouraging half an hour, he seemed to be willing to run at defenders, his passing was crisp and he seemed to take up the right attacking positions.
Kenwyne Jones 7
Was only on for little over five minutes, looked to be more mobile than Rasiak, he won a few balls in the air and was unlucky not to score at the end.