On the Cross verdict - Saints 2 Stoke 0

The Saints line-up was affected by injuries, with Dennis Wise coming in for the hamstrung Matthew Oakley and Rory Delap earning a rare start after Saints' first three choices at right back were ruled out with injuries. Both Hajto and Cranie both picked up injuries mid-week which should have allowed Chris Baird the opportunity he has been waiting for, but the luckless defender has had to have an operation on his injured knee.

Otherwise, Saints fielded an unchanged line-up with Theo Walcott keeping his place in attack and Lundekvam and Svensson maintaining their partnership in defence, despite the return from suspension of Darren Powell.

Saints could have been one up as early as the first minute when a ball over the top was seemingly deliberately handled by Mbuyi. Theo Walcott played on and slammed the ball into the top corner from just outside the box. Much to the crowd’s displeasure the referee failed to play advantage or to send off the Stoke defender, instead awarding a free kick and a yellow card to Mbuyi.

As with many games this season, Saints had plenty of the ball in midfield but lacked the cutting edge to unlock the Stoke defence. Too often the ball was played sideways instead of forwards despite Theo champing at the bit for a through ball. Theo aside, the side was lacking pace and failed to take advantage of several promising positions.

It was a simple ball over the top from Quashie that freed Walcott for a run at the opposition keeper and despite scuffing his shot the ball went in for the 16 year old’s third goal in his last three starts.

It is wonderful to see the improvements in Theo Walcott’s game as this season has progressed. His play is much more measured and he has learnt that sometimes it is better to play the simple ball. Equally his finishing has improved, although once again he might have had a hat-trick on a better day, with the Stoke keeper denying him in the second half when again through one-on-one.

Stoke were also enjoying decent spells in possession with the tall Sidebe a menace up front and the lively Icelandic international Sigurdsson having the better of a one-paced Rory Delap. The Stoke away fans were also in good voice and it was a strange sight to see the whole stadium decked out in red and white stripes. Stoke fans added to the atmosphere with the memorable chant of ‘have you ever seen your kit?’.

Saints confidence grew as the half progressed with Stoke keeper Simonsen denying Fuller and Quashie and the rejuvenated Neil McCann clipping the crossbar with a beautiful shot. After a slow start McCann enjoyed an inspired afternoon showing some great close control and putting in a series of dangerous crosses that the strikers failed to take advantage of.

For the second week in a row, the opposition were reduced to ten men when Broomes caught Walcott with his arm and after consulting his linesman referee Olivier issued a red. Stoke manager Johan Boskamp was so incensed that he left his technical area to protest with the referee and was sent to the stands after a lengthly delay. He expressed his frustration in the press conference afterwards claiming that ‘the player had a big smile on his face after he got up’. Unsurprisingly, Harry Redknapp did what he called an 'Arsene Wenger' and said that he didn’t see it.

The talk at half time was whether Saints would again throw away a lead in a game they could have had sown up with better finishing. McCann cut past two players with a wonderful piece of skill only to slice his right footed shot well over the bar when well placed. Belmadi was equally culpable after Theo split open the Stoke defence with a deft little flick.

Stoke were finding it hard to break Saints down with only ten men. Saints were having considerable joy on the counter attack but could not convert their chances. Fuller was played through the middle only to run out of steam when he reached the box and slice his shot high and wide. Fuller was looking tired and was substituted in the 77th minute to a standing ovation from the crowd, such a contrast to the boos he received on his last home appearance.

Jones looked hungry and keen to impress when he came on against the side he joined on loan last season. He narrowly failed to convert a Belmadi cross as he tangled with the defender in trying to reach the ball. On another day he might have had a penalty, but the referee missed it as he did a blatant handball earlier claiming it was ball to hand.

Saints finally sealed the win when a mishit Jones shot reached Belmadi and he made no mistake from well inside the box finishing with aplomb to the delight of the home crowd.

Two wins on the trot for Saints, leaving us level on points with Crystal Palace in 6th place. With both Reading and Sheffield United drawing, Saints also gained some ground on the leaders, but are still behind by some distance. A win against Crystal Palace at home should see Saints into the play-off zone, but that is a tough ask against a side full of goals and with former Saints target Clinton Morrison again on the scoresheet today.

Fortunately, Saints now have a goal-scorer of their own as Theo Walcott made it three starts, three goals. His pace unsettles opposition defenders and frees up space for the likes of Belmadi and Fuller. His goals have relieved the pressure on a side weighed down by their inability to kill off teams. Yes, the scoreline should have been more comfortable, but a victory by two goals, plus a clean sheet makes for happy viewing.

Man of the match: A true captain’s performance from Nigel Quashie who bossed the midfield and set up Saints' first goal. How fortunate Saints are to have a player of his undoubted Premiership quality in the side.

Lemon of the day: Rory Delap looked lethargic and short of fitness at right back after so long out of the side. He allowed the dangerous Sigurdsson far too much space on the left and showed what we already knew – he’s no right back.

Cameo of the day: It has to be the inspired Neil McCann’s double nutmeg on two Stoke defenders before ruining his big moment by spooning it over the bar.

Odd couple of the day: Saints legend Francis Benali and Welsh 400 metre runner Iwan Thomas were sat together in front of On the Cross in the press box.