Solid point sees Saints move closer to safety

It may not have been the prettiest of points, but yesterday's 1-1 draw away to Charlton could have massive repercussions for Saints' survival hopes. Saints were well worth their point and led for much of the game after Charlton conceded a somewhat unlucky own-goal. The home team could not be begrudged their equaliser, however, and would have been disappointed at a result that probably brought an end to their play-off hopes. Manager Nigel Pearson was as composed as ever after the result, highlighting that "there is still lots of work to be done." Other results largely went in Saints' favour yesterday. Although Barnsley look to be heading to safety after two wins, Leicester suffered the hammer-blow of missing out on three points at home to relegated Colchester. As the table below shows, the result could prove costly to them.

The fight goes on

The last two games have seen Saints doing all the right things: Fighting hard, scoring goals, and, most importantly, picking up points. These results have instilled Saints fans with a new sense of confidence. The last week's poll demonstrates this level of optimism, with the vast majority believing Saints will stay up. However, the table below highlights how ominous Saints' position still is, just two points off the trapdoor and a terrible goal difference (cheers, George) to boot. Next Saturday's home game against nothing-to-play-for Burnley is now a crunch match of epic proportions. Given the tough nature of Saints' last two games (A vs West Brom, H vs Sheff Utd), anything other than three points would see Saints become relegation favourites once more. Yet again, the next week will see Saints fans gearing up for the most important game in their recent history.


LP GP GD PTs

16 Norwich 43 -9 52
17 Barnsley 42 -10 52
18 Blackpool 43 -3 50
19 Southampton 43 -16 50
20 Coventry 43 -13 49
21 Leicester 43 -2 48
22 Sheff Wed 42 -5 48
23 Scunthorpe 43 -25 39
24 Colchester 43 -19 37