Saints were reminded just how tight this division is as Barnsley crushed Watford
On Tuesday night the results brought good cheer for Saints as Sheffield Wednesday threw away a two goal lead at Sheffield United to mean that they have used up their games in hand without winning and overtaking us, and then West Brom beat Blackpool to drag the Seasiders into the relegation mire, indeed Blackpool are TUI's tip for the third relegation place.
But Wednesday night brought disapointment, those who thought Barnsley would be devastaded by their FA Cup Semi final defeat and go into freefall were wrong as the Tykes smashed Watford at Vicarage Road to post notice that after they have played their games in hand they dont intend being involved in any relegation struggle.
Hopefully this will focus Saints on the task in hand on Saturday when they have to ensure that they dont drop down into the mire again, Barnsley have proved that the top sides are not a lot better than those near the bottom, the only difference being perhaps consistency, Saints have to go to the Valley in a positive frame of mind as they had when they faced Bristol City.
The fight is far from over, however saturday will go a long way to deciding the battle, a win for Saints could pull them well clear and perhaps need only a win against Burnley for safety, defeat could make it very difficult.
However with a new spine to the team and the confidence returning hopefully Saints can get the vital three points that will make the final couple of weeks of the season a lot less stressful.