Saints lost yet more ground on their Promotion rivals with a 1-1 draw against Preston. The game highlighted the harsh fact that Saints simply seem to lack a cutting edge. Saints pushed hard for the win, it wasn’t through lack of effort that they failed to come away with three points. Saints created numerous chances which were spurned by various members of the Saints cast. A comical equaliser for Preston added insult to injury for Saints fans who thought their team was finally back to winning ways.
George Burley sprang one selection surprise with youngster Adam Lallana keeping his place in the side despite the return to fitness of stand in captain Jermaine Wright. Lallana looked a little out of his depth in the first half despite some good touches and a good ball which almost played in Gregorz Rasiak. Lallana was eventually replaced by Wright at the start of the second half.
Saints started the game brightly having the better of the early possession. However it was Preston who created the opening chance when danger man Dave Nugent skinned Gareth Bale, luckily for Saints there was no one in a yellow shirt to convert his inviting centre. Nugent threatened again soon after when he was played in by winger Chris Sedgwick, Davis did well to smother the ball in front of the advancing striker.
The first meaningful opening for Saints came when Wright-Phillips volleyed over the bar after doing well to connect with an awkward ball in.
Kelvin Davis was again in good form to block a stinging shot from Chris Sedgwick when he wriggled free in the box.
Saints left back Gareth Bale had his customary free kick but these time it sailed into the Chapel Stand.
A goal for Saints looked inevitable when Skacel played in Surman and his cross shot was saved well by the on rushing Carlo Nash. From the resulting corner Saints took the lead when Surman flicked on Skacel’s kick for Rasiak to head in from close range.
HALF TIME SAINTS 1-0 PRESTON
After another enthralling instalment of Mike Osman’s ‘stand up comedy’ Saints ran out with one change to their side, youngster Lallana being replaced by Jermaine Wright.
Saints had a guilt edged chance to increase their lead, Chris Baird missing his kick at the crucial time after getting on the end of a lovely ball from Rudi Skacel.
The visitors scored an equaliser on 50 minutes, a goal which came against the run of play. Kelvin Davis somehow let a Simon Whalley free kick wriggle into the net, it should have been an easy save.
Saints almost pegged Preston back immediately but Rudi Skacel flashed his shot wide.
Five minutes later Davis was almost caught out again when he spilled a Danny Pugh free kick only to recover at the second attempt.
Saints lack of cutting edge was evident as they pushed for a winner, first Andy Surman hit a weak shot straight at Nash, then Jermaine Wright hesitated when in a good position and his awkward looking volley was blocked easily.
Then came some controversey, the referee who didn’t have the best of games waved away strong claims for a penalty when Rasiak was hauled down in the area. Rasiak was replaced by Kenwyne Jones soon afterwards.
The rest of the second half seemed to fly by in frustrating fashion, this was not helped by Preston’s constant willingness to waste time.
The only openings for Saints were when Skacel failed to turn in a shot by Viafara. Nathan Dyer came on late in the game, replacing Surman. He showed glimpses of the form he produced on Wednesday night but he twice failed to put in a decent cross.
FULL TIME: SAINTS 1-1 PRESTON
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 6
Was at fault for the goal and almost repeated the feat within minutes. He did make a couple of good saves in the first half though.
Chris Makin 7
A solid performance on his home league debut, looked solid defensively but he lacks a yard of pace to provide an overlap.
Gareth Bale 7
Played well in defence, his distribution was a little wayward at times as I have mentioned before. He was eager to get forward and got into some good attacking positions, provided an excellent outlet for midfielders to pass.
Chris Baird 7
Another dependable performance from the stand in skipper, he was unlucky not to score when he miskicked Skacel’s cross.
Pele 7
Looked composed playing the ball out of defence but was caught slightly out of position at times although in general he did a good job on Nugent.
Adam Lallana 6
He started quite well with an excellent ball to Rasiak but he faded as the half went on, he was often out muscled by a more physical Preston midfield. Subbed at half time.
Rudi Skacel 7
A fairly quiet performance to follow an excellent display against Yeovil. He did put in a few dangerous crosses and was unlucky not to divert a John Viafara shot goalwards.
John Viafara 8
An all action perfomance by the combative midfield man, he played well when winning the ball and running with it, his passing was much better but still slightly dodgy at times.
Andrew Surman 7
Was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions, one chance was saved well the other was hit with little conviction. He was fairly quiet in the center of midfield otherwise.
Gregorz Rasiak 7
Scored the goal for Saints but otherwise was largely ineffective, he won alot in the air to little effect and the ball was caught in his feet at times and he was reluctant to shoot himself.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 7
A threat to the Preston defence with his pace but he seemed reluctant to try and take the ball past players. He was limited to few goal scoring opportinuties.
Nathan Dyer 7
Showed a good change of pace, he took the ball past the Preston defence but his crossing left a lot to be desired.
Kenwyne Jones 7
Was a threat in the air and is pacier than Rasiak, caused the defence some problems but along with Wright-Phillips was limited to few chances.
Looked like a rabbit caught in headlights when the ball fell to him on the edge of the area, his shot lacked any conviction.