The eye witness report from Boundary Park
This was more than just a win for Saints it was a statement of intent as they made it three league wins on the bounce.
Boundary Park hasnt been the luckiest of grounds for Saints, its been over 70 years since our last win, but right from the outset Saints looked strong and determined, although early doors they did struggle a little at the back and have to find their composure.
But once Dean Hammond headed the opener it was Saints firmly in the driving seat even if the second goal was a little lucky, however what Saints have to do is finish teams off, the feeling in the away section was that too many chances were going begging and we might just pay the price, we nearly did on the half hour, but Kelvin Davis did what he does best, stopping shots one on one.
The second half started a little bit like the first ended with chances being squandered and then Oldham did what they had threatened to do and scored, this of course got their game back on track, but Alan pardew got his substitutions spot onat the right moments and we took control of the game again and killed it off with a clinical finish from David Connolly on 82 minutes.
This prompted a mass exodus in the home sections and with five minutes left you could see departing Lancastrians already 300 metres from the ground.
Again it was a true team performance, we now have power, we have skill and more imporrtantly we had confidence, we also have variety, yes Adam Lallana will always catch the eye with his mazy runs, Schneiderlin likewise with his passing, but its also about the work rate of players like Wooton, his game isnt pretty, he cant pass to save his life, but he holds the centre together and spoils and breaks up the opposition, for the first time in his career at Saints he is worth his place in the side and its a major factor why we are now winning game, we should fear no one in this league, its just sad that we have squandered so many points in the first 10 games.
But the Statement Of Intent is now clear, Saints have a team to be reckoned with and it might just lead to a very interesting ending to the season.