With a month in between reserve games and several players needing games on their return from injury, Saints arranged a behind the doors friendly with some decent opposition in the shape of West Ham.
Saints were treated to the sight of two of the most mysterious transfer signings in football history as Argentinian superstars Carlos Tevez and Javier Maschereno turned out for West Ham, with Tevez showing his class with two goals.
It wasn't enough however as Saints showed a cutting edge in front of goal that has been seriously lacking from the first team, with Surman, Lallana and McGoldrick all scoring well taken goals. Surely at least one of that trio will have to have to be given a run in the first team as we struggle for goals, with McGoldrick heading the list after the indifferent form of our strikers.
Also on show was potential loan signing Carlton Cole who is enduring a difficult time after his move to West Ham who has scored a single goal in eleven appearances, albeit from just two starts.
Outside of the cutting edge up front, the real positives for Saints were match practice for the returning Darren Powell, along with another 90 minutes for Michael Svensson and Bart 'Polish boy mountain' Bialkowski. Leon Best returning from loan at Bournemouth was given a 45 minute run out.
Interestingly, current bench warmer Pele was tried out in midfield with Saints running the rule over him in central midfield. With Saints looking for more bite in midfield, Pele's tackling ability and ability on the ball may provide a valuable option.
Let's hope that Saints can take some of the sharpness in front of goal to Sunderland on Saturday in the hope that we can turn the corner after a succession of dropped points and wasted chances.