Saints 0 Derby 1

What a disappointment!!!! Convinced saints were going to win and begin a concerted promotion push. The game started well enough, with Saints creating some good opportunities. New signing Marek Saganowski, looked bright and went close twice within the first 3 minutes. The first drew a good save from the derby keeper and the second flew just over from a difficult position. He obviously couldn't keep it up but turned in a promising performance, and it was a little disappointing that he was substituted when he was. Saints should indeed have been 4-0 up by the end of the first half after creating several good chances, but each time the keeper would make a save or the luck wasn't with us. In particular Rasiak had a glorious opportunity with space inside the area, but his placed effort crept millimetres past the far post.

The second half was less dominated by the Saints, but Derby still offered little in the way of attacking. They turned in a solid, physical display, lacking in skill and flair, i'd say they were the Bolton of the championship! Then as time was getting on, predictably Howard got in to score an undeserved winner. A frustrating match, with some improved attacking play from the home side, providing evidence that the return of the more creative midfield players will strengthen our challenge. But we really need to start putting away our chances when we get them. The result leaves us looking back over our shoulder now, trying to make sure of at least a play-off place.

There were injury worries over gareth bale, who spent the end of the first half limping badly, recovering a little for the second half (although still lacking some zip) and Rudi skacel, who seemed to have a back problem and briefly left the field, before later having some treatment.

Man of the Match: Chris Baird for another superb defensive performance. Although he was run close by Jhon Viafara.