Stern John made it all smiles at St Mary's

Saints once again had an injury crisis at centre back as they had five out injured meaning that Alan Bennett had to partner Christian Dailly in the centre of defence a daunting prospect against a Cardiff side sporting Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank up front.

Earlier in the season this would be a recipe for disaster, but Saints are made of sterner stuff these days and this was proved as the Stern Stuff himself popped up to give Saints an early lead after barely 15 minutes had elapsed.

It was never going to be pretty especially as Saints had lost Alexander Ostlund after only six minutes, however including the Swede was a strange decision from George Burley after the naturally left footed Rudi Skacel had done so well against West Brom and on came the Czech for  the Swede.

But this win was about team spirit and never say die and it can now be said that saints are starting to put something of a run together having now won three out of the last four, the only blip being the debacle at Preston.

But more importantly these wind have come against fellow challengers for promotion and on Wednesday it has to be more of the same as they take on second placed Bristol City.

Another win would see Saints probably enter the play off spots as they now lie only 1 point off them, however they can now travel to Ashton Gate with a little bit of pressure of them knowing a draw wouldnt be a terrible thing.

But Saints fans can go to sleep tonight feeling satisfied that they have a squad that can beat anyone in this division, however the major worry must be how so many players get injured in training, this is starting to be more than coincidence and surely training methods need to be looked at. 

Photo: Action Images

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