Extended player ratings: Saints 1 Ipswich 1

Wright - 7: Excellent performance from the much maligned Wright who put in some key tackles, distributed the ball well and even showed a trick or two on the ball. Lack of pace prevented him from getting further up the field, but was rarely caught out of position despite Ipswich targeting him with balls over the top.

Thomas - 6: Showed good strength in defence forming a solid partnership with Davies, with his pace rescuing several tricky situations. Played his part in several of the defensive mix-ups.

Davies - 6: A couple of uncharacteristic slips on the edge of the box marred an otherwise solid afternoon's work from the captain. Again played through a knock picked up when making a vital block.

Vignal - 8: Marrauding performance down the left flank from Vignal with shades of a certain Gareth Bale in the way he took the game by the scruff of the neck. Guilty of getting a little carried away at times wasting promising positions through a rush of blood to the head, but overall this was a hugely impressive performance from a fired-up Vignal.

Viafara - 5: His athleticism got him into some excellent positions, but unfortunately, he appeared to have little idea what to do with the ball when in possession and frequently wasted the openings through overhit crosses, shots and stray passes. Closed down the Ipswich midfield well.

Safri - 7: Great to have Youssef back giving the midfield much better balance and showing his full range of passing and quick feet. Could still offer more going forward, but you couldn't fault his effort or worth to the side.

Idiakez - 6: Remains a yard off the pace meaning that he simply must show off his full range of skills on the ball to justify his place in the side. Some stray passes and shots marred his afternoon, but did provide some much needed quality with decent set pieces and some lovely turns on the ball. Might have won it for Saints with a curler heading for the top corner well saved by Bywater.

Licka - 7: Impressive first start of the season from Mario who never stopped running. Too often muscled off the ball, he was a revelation with it at his feet providing much needed penetration and combining well with Vignal down the left.

Saganowski - 5: Showed signs of his trademark movement, but was all too often caught offside and guilty of wasting some promising openings through a lack of sharpness and strength. Needs a goal to get his season started.

John - 7: What a strike! Created the goal out of nothing by working the space and slamming a screamer into the top corner. Did the bulk of the hold up play with much of Saints better attacking play coming through him.

McGoldrick - 5: Made little impact again from the subs bench bar wasting a golden chance on the edge of the six yard box that he powered into the side netting. The giant Baseya might have been a better option to put pressure on the Ipswich defence.

Baseya - 5: Came on to waste the last few seconds with the ball the wrong end of the field for an Ipswich corner. Ran on. Walked off seconds later.

Manager

Pearson - 7: Injuries dictated much of his line-up, but deserves praise for calling in Mario Licka from the cold who rewarded his manager's faith with an all-action performance. Did less well with his subs this week with McGoldrick failing to impress when Euell or even Baseya might have added more height up front and support for John.

Deserves huge praise for getting the players motivated and finally looking fitter. Just needs a first win now. Did so much shouting on the touchline that he was unable to do the press conference afterwards having lost his voice!