Bournemouth 1 Saints 1

Niemi
Delap, Lundekvam, Hajto, Critchell
Prutton, Wise, Oakley, Pahars
Jones, Ormerod

Injuries and departures played their part in Saints line-up, with minor injuries to Higginbotham, Quashie, McCann and Baird, with Powell missing through illness, all ably demonstrating how imperative it is that Harry is allowed to strengthen the squad.

This led to a makeshift back line featuring the lively Polish trialist Hajto alongside Claus, academy left-back Critchell and the painful sight of midfielder Rory Delap returing to right-back, seemingly looking to fill the utility man role vacated by Telfer’s move to Celtic.

Saints started brightly and were soon ahead when Brett Ormerod benefited from a defensive mix-up to head in at the far post, after of all things a Rory Delap long throw.

Wise was in dominant mood controlling the flow of the game with neat passing and showing that he may well prove a very shrewd purchase. The thought of Wise and Quashie bossing the Saints midfield next season will give Saints fans much hope.

The flanks are more of a concern with Prutton in headless chicken mode and an out of position Marian Pahars reminding Saints fans how dangerous he will be up front as he showed his class and nearly set up a second for Oakley.

Back from international duty, Jones was also finding some joy up front with a good range of efforts and some decent hold up play.

Smith
Prutton Lundekvam, Hajto, Critchell
Folly, Mezague, Oakley, Pahars (Walcott, 64)
Jones, Ormerod

Saints made three changes at the break with Folly, Smith and trialist Mezague replacing Delap, Niemi and Wise. Bournemouth, perhaps keen to show of the size of their squad, made a whopping 9 changes and were an improved outfit after the break as Saints faded.

Saints should have had a second as Folly crossed for Ormerod whose header drew a neat save from Stewart, but presented Mezague with an open goal for what should have been his moment of glory, but wasn’t.

Bournemouth could have drawn level after traditional Saints set piece defending when Fletcher’s goal bound header was cleared off the line by Oakley.

Walcott, on for Pahars, was exciting the crowd with good skill and pace nearly creating a goal for Ormerod and showing his confidence with a shot from long range. While a long way from the finished article, Saints fans will be looking forward to seeing him progress over the course of this season.

Saints showed they have lost none of their ability to concede a late goal as Hudson scored with a cracking finish in injury time to make the final result a 1-1 draw.

Star man: Dennis Wise oozed class and looks set to be a key man this season

Cameo of the day: another bright performance from Theo Walcott

Lemon of the day: Mezague for missing that open goal and an indifferent performance