Saints needed to bounce back after a humiliating defeat to Bristol City. They started in fantastic fasion.
Wright-Phillips broke into the box after 60 seconds, looking ready to put it past the keeper then the flag went up from the linesman.
Just 2 minutes later saints got the breakthrough the dominance deserved, Christian Dailly played a fantasic ball over the top, WRIGHT-PHILLIPS took advantage of Burnleys high line and slotted past Gabor Kiraly in the Burnley goal.
Then came a bizzare moment, Dyer fed in form Stern John, he did well to keep control of the ball, the Trinidian unleashed a fantastic shot off his right foot, the ball hit the post, went along the line, bounced of the other post and in to the arms of a very greatful keeper.
Again Lady luck didn’t shine on saints, Wright-Phillips got through, put the ball past the keeper, it looked goal bound only to bounce off the post and bounce to saftey.
Saints did go 2-0 after 13 minutes, Dyer crossed from the right, Euell leaped at the far post, whether it will be given to Euell is another matter, the ball looked as though it took a heavy touch off the defending player, either way Euell paid off his managers faith in him and saints were unlucky only to be 2-0 up.
Credit to Burnley they managed to stop a saints romp, defending well and pushing forward, they managed to get a goal in the process, the ball bounced and Dailly was turned well, MCCANN borke in between Viafara and Vignal and put the ball past Davis who had no chance, Saints had to hang on for 15 minutes of the half.
Saints hung on until half time
Saints took a huge step towards 4 wins in 6 on 51 minutes, Idiakez played a short corner to Phil Ifil, he crossed well and Stern John rose highest to give saints a well deserved 3-1 lead.
Both teams had chances, but last ditch tackles from Wayne Thomas and Jhon Viafara kept the score at 3-1 for a while.
On 83 minutes the ball broke kindly again for Burnley, 2 defleations left ADE AKINBIYI to slot home past hopeless Kelvin Davis.
Saints held on until the end, Rasiak should have scored in the dying seconds, he mis-kicked, had he got it on target the keeper would not have svaed it.
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
Kicked well, couldn’t do anything about the goals.
Phil Ifil 7
Set up the goal and defended well, despite the fact he struggled on the occasion.
Wayne Thomas 8
Played well in his return to Turf Moor, some excellent last ditch tackles.
Jhon Viafara 8
Out of position but played well.
Gregory Vignal 7
Still not convinced, his experience payed dividends today in the dying seconds
Nathan Dyer 8
Ran his heart out, great cross for Euells goal.
Christian Dailly 7
Playing in a different position, set up Wright-Phillips goal very well.
Inigo Idiakez 7
Played the ball well, quick thinking for Stern Johns goal.
Jason Euell 8
Played well on the left wing today, took his goal really well. Thumbs up for Jason
Stern John 8
Played really well, unlucky to only get one. Linked up with Bradley Wright-Phillips
Bradley Wright-Phillips 9
Didn’t stop running, scored a superb goal and hit the woodwork, linked up with Stern John well.
Grzegorz Rasiak 6
Could have scored, helped hold on at the end.
Andrew Surman 6
Didn’t have a great few minutes on the pitch, but he did help the midfield hold out against Burnley.