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Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton. 1st March 2003, 3.00pm.
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It was the same old story at St. Mary's. Albion played well for the most part but lacked the finishing touch and fell victim to a poor decision, leading inevitably to defeat once more. It was a poor game, one of the poorest I've witnessed all season, and neither side really deserved to win. Southampton have James Beattie - that was ultimately the difference.

A surprise change to the line up saw Adam Chambers replaced with Wallwork moving to wing back, Gregan into the middle and Sigurdsson lining up in the back three.

Albion had the first chance of the game when Lee Hughes was fed by Koumas, but the striker's weak shot went wide. The game had little more action until a poor decision by a linesman, and an equally poor one by a defender saw the home side go in front.

Telfer appeared to take the ball out for a throw in but, as Udeze stopped for the flag that never came, he crossed for BEATTIE, who chested the ball down and hit an unstoppable shot into the far corner.

The Saints had the best of the first half as Albion failed to get going. Hoult made good saves from Oakley and Ormerod with Niemi at the other end untroubled. Wallwork had the best chance for the visitors when good work from Hughes and McInnes presented the former Man Utd. man with a clear shot from the edge of the box, but he blazed over. Koumas went close with a free-kick but Niemi remained untested.

Udeze paid the price for his defensive lapse with Clement coming on after just 25 minutes. Southampton were on top, but Clement and the rest of the defensive line up coped reasonably well, without their teammates providing much at the other end.

The second half started in the same vein as Hoult saved well from Fernandes, but as the game wore on Albion finally created some opportunities.

McInnes shot well over, Hughes almost got on the end of Dobie's cross and was then brought down in the area, although Albion's penalty curse continued as Gallagher waved away the protests.

Southampton continued to create opportunities but Hoult remained in good form. Albion almost had an effort on target late on, but Dichio first toe-poked a Hughes's shot inches wide before he smacked a header against the post.

Nine games left and the task facing the Albion is next to impossible.

RESULT - SOUTHAMPTON 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0

Marks

Hoult - 8 - MOM. Kept the score respectable with some fine saves.
Wallwork - 6 - Unspectacular.
Udeze - 5 - Fatal error - will Megson forgive him?
Sigurdsson - 7 - Good solid performance.
Moore - 8 - Excellent performance from the big man.
Gilchrist - 6 - Did OK.
Koumas - 6 - Quiet.
Gregan - 7 - Good to see him in midfield.
McInnes - 6 - Did OK.
Hughes - 7 - Lively once again.
Dichio - 6 - Did OK.

Clement - 7 - Solid game.
Dobie - 6 - Better than he has been, but doesn't offer enough.
Jordao - 5 - Did little.
Southampton (4-4-2):
Niemi; Telfer, Lundekvam, M Svensson, Bridge; Fernandes (Higginbotham 90+1), Oakley, A Svensson (Prutton 28), Marsden; Beattie, Ormerod (Tessem 77). Subs not used: Jones (GK), Dodd.
West Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Sigurdsson, Moore, Gilchrist; Wallwork (Dobie 45), McInnes (Jordao 77), Gregan, Koumas, Udeze (Clement 25); Hughes, Dichio. Subs not used: Murphy (GK), A Chambers.
Scoring: Beattie (8) 1-0.
Bookings: Southampton - Bridge (foul 23), Oakley (foul 64). West Bromwich Albion - Gregan (foul 9), Dichio (dissent 90+2).
Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury)
Attendance: 31,915.
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