Reserves turn on the style against Pompey

Now we are denied the pleasure of regular encounters with our neighbours from down the road, last night's reserve fixture had more edge than normal. Both Saints and Pompey fielded relatively strong line-ups with a number of players featuring that had first team experience.

Saints line-up:
Paul Smith
Martin Cranie, Matthew Mills, Darren Kenton, Jason St Juste
Theo Walcott (Tim Sparv, 68), Yoann Folly, Marcelo Tejera (Eddie Anaclet, 85), Leandre Griffit
Marian Pahars, Dexter Blackstock
Subs: Michael Poke, Craig Richards, Lloyd James

Scorers:
Saints - Kenton, Griffit, Walcott, Pahars
Pompey - Mbesuma, Todorov

The match marked a further test of fitness for Marian Pahars and an extended run out for the likes of Walcott, Blackstock and Tejera. Pahars and Blackstock combined well up front with Marian looking sharp and motivated and scoring the fourth goal on the night with a wonderful lob over the keeper from 25 yards.

Walcott reminded Harry Redknapp of his star quality during a performance full of pace and tricks, with the icing on the cake a run inside his own half which ended with a thumping strike from distance into the bottom corner. He injured his shoulder in the celebratory pile up, but should still be fit for Hull.

After a couple of indifferent performances for the reserves, the surprise of the night was the form of Tejera who had a hand in each of Saints' four goals. He took a while to get into the game, but then showed his ability to find the killer ball that the Saints first team has been lacking of late. On this performance he looks at least a good option for Belmadi, although at this stage it is not clear how well he might adapt to the physicality of the Championship.

Short-term signing winger Jason St Juste played out of position at left back, as Saints looked at solutions to our lack of cover in that position. It was an encouraging outing from St Juste in what was reportedly his first game at left back. He demonstrated good pace, awareness and skills on the ball, as you would expect from a graduate of Simon Clifford's Brazilian soccer schools.

While of course it is only the reserves, the performance will have given Harry Redknapp plenty of food for thought. The side played with pace and cutting edge and showed the first teamers a thing or two about finishing. Pahars looks ready for a start against Hull and the likes of Blackstock, Walcott and Tejera will be knocking on the manager's door to play a significant part in the game.