While the level of opposition is not brilliant by any means, Saints have struggled against many similar opponents in the past.
This is Gordon Strachan's first pre-season with his squad and considering turnaround he implemented upon his arrival, I think we will see a much sharper, fitter Saints squad for the 02/03 season. Strachan said: "They all worked really hard at St Andrews before we came out here and maybe it is catching up with them a bit, mentally rather than physically. They needed a small break today.
"I have to say though that the players are looking in excellent shape. Their football and movement and stamina is very good for this stage of the season.
"I made sure they did not have too much of a break over the summer. There were a few moans and groans but they are feeling the benefit now."
There is an air of confidence about the squad, which is the best Saints have had for over a decade. Anders Svensson and Wayne Bridge have rejoined the squad having had a bit more time off after their World Cup exploits. There is genuine competition in all areas of the field for the first time in years. The players know that they will have to fight hard for their places and it shouldn't be any other way.
The recent Delgado farce can be seen as a small blip as Saints can easily do without him in their side. Brett Ormerod and Kevin Davies both have ample reasons for pushing Pahars and Beattie for first team places.
In midfield Matthew Oakley will undoubtedly quietly impress as always while Anders Svensson will be hoping to show the Premiership why he is one of Sweden's top internationals. The impressive end of season form of Rory Delap should keep these two on their twos and there is adequate cover in Draper and Chala.
On the flanks, Fabrice Fernandes will get more opportunities to impress, which he is more than capable of doing on his day, although he'll have to be at his best to oust fan favourite Chris Marsden from the team. Marsden is a key part of the side and Saints will do well if he can replicate the form he showed last term.
Saints could well be looking to strengthen on the right flank although there are no shortage of players who can stake a claim. Paul Telfer's defensive approach impressed many upon his arrival and his partnership with Jason Dodd really shored up the team. More attackingly the versatile Jo Tessem (who can play everywhere except in goal), Rory Delap, Imants Bleidelis and Kevin Davies could all fit in.
With the arrival of Swedish international Michael Svensson, saints have finally strengthened an area of the side which has been rather sorely neglected in recent years. It's testament to Strachan's managerial skills that he has so quickly addressed Saints key weaknesses. Svensson will hopefully settle in quickly enough to form an solid pairing with Claus Lundekvam, who after a few shaky moment a couple of seasons ago has never looked back.
For the first time in many years, Saints actually have some decent back up in defence. Paul Williams did a superb job last season and will definitely push Svensson for a place. While not the most skillful player around, Williams' attitude and solid defensive work have won the fans over.
Garry Monk will hopefully grab a few more appearances. Monk has a first rate attitude, all the more so considering the few chances he has had in the first team. I also thought he showed a great deal of commitment at right-back and would like to see him there if Dodd is unavailable and if Baird isn't quite ready for a first team start.
Finally there is experienced Moroccan international Tahar El-Khalej. While I think he's better suited to a different formation than the one Saints play in, he had a couple of superb defensive performances last season. He's probably the best of the bunch going forward as well giving Saints another option if having to push up.
It's Paul Jones' tenure as goalkeeper that seems to be the most contentious at the moment. Jones' was involved in a couple of real blunders again last season, and a number have began thinking it's time for a change.
I think Jones offers what he has always done. He's a terrific shot-stopper and can keep Saints in the game with his reaction saves. He's not that great at corners or in dominating his box, but then that applies to so many other 'keepers so he's far from alone. As you can see, the position of goalkeeper is always going to be under the spotlight as they have no chance of correcting any mistakes. Jones remains one of the top ten Premiership goalies around and we would have to be sure that any replacement offered that level of quality.
There is a growing number of goalkeepers at the club who are hoping to push for that number one jersey. Neil Moss must surely be in his last year at the club if he can't get regular first team football. He has been waiting in the wings a long time, and must really push his career forward. While Scott Bevan has gone on loan, it leaves Youth international Alan Blayney, Danny Trueman and Gareth Williams to push for more recognition. While not ready for first team action, Strachan's policy of ensuring that there is a young reserve team should offer them plenty of chances to progress.
Saints Youth Academy is another reason to be optimistic. With new facilities and under the helm of George Prost, this are looking much brighter as the club focus closer to home to find and guide talent. Strachan feels that his first team squad should be rounded off by his youth squad. While initially disappointed with the set up, Strachan has helped in implementing measures to push the younger Saints talent through. In addition to the natural intake of Academy students, Saints have invested in bringing in several youngsters form other clubs. The result is a crop of youth players who will be the major part of Saints reserves next season and who will all be hungry to progress even further.
There's no doubt that pushing through into the first team of a Premiership club is harder than ever. To survive, yet alone flourish in the Premiership, Saints need international class players. Youngsters at the club have to have the attitude and talent of future internationals if they are to flourish. That's how high the barrier has been raised, and explains perhaps why so few have come through in recent times.
So in our second season in our brilliant St. Mary's, with an excellent squad, a sound financial footing thanks to the chairman and board, an excellent manager and coaching staff and the best fans in the country the future's looking bright indeed.
Hopefully at least some of the above can help cheer up the perennial moaners who always slate the Saints to fight the drop.