Saints scraped through against a poor Blackpool team at St.Marys, but saints were perhaps very fortunate to take all three points.
The first major chance of the game went the way of Blackpool, Andrew Davies poor clearence rebounded of Blackpool striker Bartosz Slusarski and into the path of Morrell, he curled the shot from a narrow angle and hit the far post, Kelvin Davis looked to have it covered, he may of even got a touch to push it onto the post, Christain Dailly then hoofed to safety.
Saints took the lead 5 minutes later on 36 minutes, Wright-Phillips turned and squeezed a ball to Stern John, he then lashed a beautiful shot accross the keeper who had no chance of stopping it.
HALF TIME SAINTS 1 BLACKPOOL 0
Saints were unfortunate not to take a 2 goal lead, Dyer crossed from the right, Stern John controlled it and smashed a 15 yard shot against the underside of the bar! The ball was cleared to safety.
Saints should have rapped it up 3 minutes later, Euell burst through and got a ‘soft’ penalty, Ian Williamson was very quick on the whistle all day and didn’t even take time to look and pointed to the spot. Jason Euell stepped up and perhaps justiuce was done when the Blackpool keeper made a fantastic save to deny Euell his second goal of the season, Surman looked as though he wanted it but Euell snatched the ball away and missed, Grzegorz Rasiak was on the bench and therefore could not have taken it.
The main talking point came on around the 80th minute, Skacel fouled Danny Coid, the referee blew his whistle when he should have played the advantage but was again very quick to blow the whistle, Blackpool carryed on and Fletcher-Taylor scored, most saints players had heard the whistle and stopped except Paul Ifil who challenged with Fletcher-Taylor for the ball. The play was brought back for a free-kick.
Grzegorz Rasiak came off the bench to link up with fellow sub Adam Hammill and he blasted over 1 on 1 with the keeper when he should have scored.
Saints will take it but in truth Blackpool were perhaps worth a point although they onlt tested Davis on the very rare occasion.
Player Ratings
Kevlin Davis 7
No real saves to make as visitors failed to hit the target numerous amounts of times.
Phil Ifill 8
Phil played some delightful balls down the channel and linked up very well.
Andrew Davies 8
despite a mistake which almost lead to Blackpool taking the lead he kept his head up and defended no noncence.
Christian Dailly
Was by far the best player on the park on his last game for saints.
Rudi Skacel 6
again out of position, never looked any good, gave away too many fouls and never got back to defend.
Nathan Dyer 7
Always looks dangerous on the break, left Blackpool players for dead in the early stages.
Youseff Safri 7
Played some good passes, won the ball and did his job well.
Andrew Surman 6
He isn’t a central midfield player, should have been given the penalty though. Sould be put back on the wing.
Jason Euell 7
Despite the fact he is the first saints player to miss a penalty at St.Marys he played fairly well up to then, his confidence was drained after that and he was subbed.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 6
Except the pass for the goal he never got into the game.
Stern John 8
Played well and gave the Blackpool defenders something to worry about.
Jhon Viafara 6
Came on and helped see out the game.
Grzegorz Rasiak 7
Looked a threat when he replaced Stern John 13 minutes from time. Set up Hammill only for him to blast over.
Had a chance to secure a 2-0 win but blasted over in stoppage time.
Manager Rating
George Burley yet again showed how he can’t manage a football side, had we been playing a better side we would have took a good hiding again.
Opponent Rating
Simon Grayson was annoyed at the referees decision to not let the goal stand, he had every right to be annoyed, the ref never looked to play the advantage and was very quick on the whistle all game. Him saying Blackpool would have won the game can only be decribed as Ludicrous.
Next fixtures
100% home record team Ipswitch away, then Ian Holloways Leicester away.