Saints ran out in their new 3rd kit in the first of the German pre season friendlies and very nice it looked too, also looking nice was Damion Downs who scored the only goal of the game.

Once again Tonda Eckert named two separate sides, one in each half.

First half XI

Saints: Peretz; Roerslev, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Welington; Downes, Bragg, Brereton Diaz, Dobbin, Scienza; Downs.

Second half XI

Saints: Long; Bree, Wood, Quarshie, Manning; Charles, Matsuki, Fellows, Archer, Akachukwu; Oyekunle.

Again there was not much to read in either selection, both were a mix up, with players who would be considered first choice in different sides.

The good news was that Daniel Peretz played a half in goal so clearly his wrist injury isn't too serious, Shea Charles also made an appearance in the second half.

The first half started quietly but came to life in the 35th minute when good work in the midfield from Flynn Downes saw him feed the ball to Lewis Dobbin who fed the ball through to Damion Downs who latched on to it, rounded the keeper, cut back to leave an onrushing defender for dead and then coolly slotted the ball home into the empty net.

If Leo Scienza had scored this goal the fans would be salivating at the quality of it, sadly most of the frothing at the mouth will be from those claiming that he is useless.

Most of the chances in either half fell to Saints and they really should have at least doubled their lead, perhaps even more, the home keeper was the busiest of the evening, but the second goal didn't come.

Once again there was little to take from this game other than the fact that as he showed at Espanyol last pre season, Damion Downs can score goals and perhaps he just needs a little bit of luck in front of goal.

Tonda Eckert will be pleased that it all went to plan, a low key workout aimed at building up fitness and touch on the ball, rather than win the game,

The most pleasing thing to see though was the depth of the squad, even though it was missing the likes of Finn Azaz, Caspare Jander & Sam Edozie who stayed at home injured & Cyle Larin who will rejoin the squad next week, both sides on show could win games in the Championship.

Now we spend a week on the training ground, although there might be a closed doors friendly played during that time, then we step up the programme with the game at Munster on Saturday.

With the first round of the Carabao cup being played the week before the season starts, the game at Colchester seemingly fits into pre season rather than the regular season, the final workout before the Championship starts and a competitive one at that.

All Photos Via Reuters