Saints recorded their first win of the season last night with a win over former Saint Mickey Adams’ Coventry City.
The visitors started the brighter dominating the midfield play whilst Saints struggled to put any meaningful passes together John Viafara in particular struggled to find his team mates. Although one rare opening for Saints saw Bradley Wright-Phillips slide his shot past the post. With Saints under the cosh new boy Rudi Skacel tried to buoy the crowd with a gesture of encouragement. However, it was Coventry who threatened to break the deadlock when Dele Adebola hit the post from a free kick on 14 minutes. The trend of the game at this point saw Coventry keen to get the ball wide and cross for physical strikers Stern John and Dele Adebola who were causing the Saints defence problems with their height.
Saints keeper Kelvin Davis had to be quick to react to a low Dele Adebola drive and a Stern John header to keep the scores level. Meanwhile Saints were having little joy playing the long ball up to Rasiak who had difficulty beating Elliot Ward in the air.
Just before half time John Viafara was hauled down in the box for a strong penalty shout but Saints’ protests were waved away by referee Hegley.
Half Time: Saints 0-0 Coventry.
Saints started the second half strongly. Bradley Wright-Phillips fired his shot over following a chest down from Rasiak.
On 57 minutes Saints would have opened the scoring but for an excellent save from Coventry right back David MacNamee who brilliantly kept out a point blank header by Wright-Phillips from a Skacel corner. MacNamee was in the right place at the right time to head off the line.
Just after the hour the Saints finally took the lead when wonderkid Gareth Bale curled in a fantastic free kick from 35 yards. At this point the Northam End came to life and a wall of Saints singing developed.
Ten minutes later Bale almost repeated the feat but this time keeper Marshall was equal to his effort.
Chris Baird then made a vital block tackle on Stern John to ensure Saints lead was preserved.
Six minutes from the end a quick Skacel corner caught Coventry unawares, Rasiak was brought down by Ward and Grant Hegley pointed to the spot. Rasiak then sent Marshall the wrong way to give Saints a comfortable 2-0 margin.
Just before the end Kenwyne Jones who had come on for Wright-Phillips clipped the post. Stern John also saw a one on one brilliantly saved by Davis.
Full Time: Saints 2-0 Coventry.
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
Made a good save from Stern John and looked assured for most of the night. A mix up with the defence led to a miss kick which could have proved costly.
Alex Ostlund 7
Another Solid performance from the Swedish right back. He was solid defensively and also got forward to help Belmadi.
Gareth Bale 9
An excellent goal and a near perfect defensive performance. The young left back’s performances show maturity beyond his years. It looks as though Saints have finally found an excellent replacement for Wayne Bridge.
Chris Baird 8
A solid performance in the centre of defence. Baird took control of most situations, made some crucial interceptions and did well in the aerial battle against Adebola and John.
Pele 7
A better performance from the new man. He made some good interceptions and some good tackles. His distribution improved as the night progressed.
Djamel Belmadi 7
A good performance from the tricky wide man although he sometimes showed reluctance to deliver the final ball, in a style similar to Fernandes he tried to beat the man twice before delivering the cross.
Rudi Skacel 7
Skacel was heavily marked by the Coventry defence. He played better than he did against Derby. He did not have much of the ball but showed moments of quality. He also showed his enthusiasm by buoying the crowd.
John Viafara 5
Viafara’s passing was terrible throughout the night, his misplaced back pass at the end could have led to a nervy last minute but for an excellent save from Davis.
Jermaine Wright 6
His passing became better in the first half, sat in front of the defence and broke up attacks. He also showed a willingness to get forward at times.
Gregorz Rasiak 6
Seemed slightly off the pace, he had little joy in the air against Ward. He also seemed to be hustled off the ball too easily. His penalty was well taken.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 8
Troubled the Coventry defence with his searing pace. He was well marshalled and had few chances to shoot at goal.
Kenwyne Jones 7
Almost increased the lead with a shot which hit the post.
Andrew Surman N/A
On too late to give a rating.
On too late to give a rating.