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Saints At Derby The Verdict
Saints At Derby The Verdict
Sunday, 24th Aug 2008 11:14

The Saints youngsters proved their doubter wrong at Pride Park 

The opening two league defeats have shown promise for Saints and their new formation and emphasis on youth, but the fact that both proved point less meant that the more cynical amongst Saints supporters questioned whether talented as they were, whether they could compete at this level.

The answer came in fine form at Pride Park, Saints weathered the storm for the first ten minutes or so then got a grip of the gamewhich they never relinquished, the only down spot being that they really should have won by more and need to start hitting the target.

But perhaps the best thing for the travelling fans who made a constant noise was the style in which Saints played, an attacking passing game that was a joy to watch, for those Saints fans who have said they aren't going any more because the entertainment value was zilch last season, that excuse is now redundant, this is truly a squad brimming with talent and now they have the confidence that comes with winning a game, they could go forward in leaps and bounds.

Poortvliet himself seems to have learnt the lessons of last week, he made the right selections on the bench and brought on the right players at the right moments, with all of the subs coming on and playing their part, Paul Wooton brings that steel needed to the midfield and Jack Cork oozed class and strength in equal portions.

It was hard to select a man of the match, Simon Gillet was everywhere, tackling, passing in a style that reminded older supporters of Alan Ball, Schneiderlin was once again magnificent and Lee Holmes, galvanised by being back at  the club that didn't want him, showed them just what they were missing.

Any one of the side could have been man of the match but for me it was Simon Gillet, for those that doubt Poortvliets capabilities, you only have to look what he has brought out in Gillet, overlooked by Burley and Pearson, both of whom preferred the likes of Jason Euell, but one thing is for sure, Saints oozed confidence and a will to win, Derby County looked just like we did for most of last season, a side that has no spirit run by a manager who really has run out of ideas, whilst is would be premature to put Saints forward as genuine contenders for the play offs, there is definately something about this side that suggests its not far off doing just that.     

Photo: Action Images



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