This turned out to be a stroll once Saints had finally scored.The team turned in an impressive performance and could have won by many more if they had taken more care with their numerous chances.
Saints had two great chances within the first few minutes and as the game passed and half-time loomed it looked as though we would be going into the break at 0-0.
When the goal did finally come it was after a good move with a superb Butterfield cross that went to Rickie Lambert. The scouser rose majestically and powered a firm header down and into the left corner of the goal with the keeper flailing vainly as he tried manfully to keep it out.
The second half was much the same with Saints totally dominating though at the start of the second half the pace was slightly slower.
A superb move ended with Guly do Prado sliding to keep a Butterfield forward pass in and as he slid he was able to pass the ball onto Adam Lallana. He duly put the ball into the back of the net with ease and the game was safe.
As the game entered it’s final phase chance after chance went begging but overall this was a good entertaining performance to follow on from the Bournemouth one. The players spread the ball about and the passing was quick and often assertive. A good day at the office for all involved with the Saints.
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
Kelvin had the one shot which he caught with some comfort. Probably the quietest game that he will have this season.
Danny Butterfield 7
Had another good game though he had little or no defending to do. Sent in some superb crosses from which one led to the opening goal.
Jose Fonte 7
Jose mopped up all that was necessary which wasn’t a lot. Cool and calm as usual.
Dan Seaborne 7
Dan has come on a lot since starting his current run in the team. He is improving all of the time and now the manager has started training the team to play a quick passing game he has looked even better.
Dan Harding 7
Harding does what he does best and plays wholeheartedly. It may just be a coincidence but since Ryan Dickson arrived Dan has been much more consistant.
Jason Puncheon 7
Jason has managed to get the crowd back onside recently as his performances have improved. He is another player that knows we now have back-up in his position.
Dean Hammond 7.5
The captain is another that has started to find his form lately and I believe he is nearly back to his best.
Richard Chaplow 7
Brought back to the club as cover for our regular centre midfield players Richard did himself no harm at all with this performance. Apart from a glaring miss when given a golden opportunity to score he was almost always in total command of the midfield alongside Hammond.
Adam Lallana 7
Since Adam has returned he has shown without doubt how much he has been missed. Took his goal well and always looked dangerous.
Rickie Lambert 7
Finally it looks as though Rickie is getting back to his best. He took his goal well and apart from a great save and the woodwork could have had more.
Guly do Prado 8
Our Samba superstar has begun to show what he is capable of. Against Tranmere he was immense and played a major part in the way we dictated the game from the start. As he gets fitter and more used to our style of play he looks more and more the finished article.
Lee Barnard 6
Came on for Guly and was clearly not at his best though he kept trying and so nearly got on the scoresheet with his goal disallowed for offside.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 5
Came on for Puncheon and had a hand in a couple of moves but his impact was less than usual.
Was not on for long enough to really do himself justice though he was on long enough to miss a sitter.
Manager Rating
Nigel Adkins has started to work the changes and the team is playing a more fluid style that is pleasing on the eye. He picked a good team and had the game under total control – 8.
Opponent Rating
Lee Perry will be wishing he had stayed at home after his team showed no fire at all in this game. His substitutions made no difference to the outcome and his team was so badly outplayed that he could easily have seen his side hit for five or six if we had got our shooting boots on.
Gullacsi
Rovers keeper was the only member of the team that justified his place so poor were the rest of the players. Though with no midfield the defence were outnumbered and constantly stretched.