Davis - 4: Despite a couple of sharp saves, Davis was far from commanding in the box and let in an absolute howler that this correspondant will have nightmares about for some months to come with the ball squirming through his legs taking what seemed an eternity to dribble into the net. Let's just hope he was confused by the red and white and thought he was playing for Sunderland again.
He bravely faced the media afterwards and said: "I just have to hold my hands up to it", little realising that that's what got him into trouble in the first place...
Makin - 5: After a decent display against Yeovil, Makin did little of note in attack or defence, seemingly unable to beat a man or get to the byline to deliver a decent cross. Ostlund can feel very hard done by to have lost out and will surely be recalled.
Bale - 6: the talented youngster was short of his best and made a slow start, but grew in confidence as the game wore on, putting in some well timed challenges and overlapping when possible down the left. He only had one chance at a trademark freekick, but shot tamely over. Plenty more to come from Gareth.
Baird - 8: Skipper Chris Baird oozed calm and assurance at the back reminiscent of the sorely missed Claus Lunkekvam. It was a genuine surprise to see him miscontrol the ball once towards the end.
Pele - 6: he had a tough battle against the man mountain Danny Dichio and worryingly was outmuscled and out of position too often as Saints looked shaky at the back.
Lallana - 5: unfortunately, this was an anonymous league debut for a nervous looking Lallana who admitted to On the Cross after the game that he 'hadn't played well' (boy, he looks young!). Frequently muscled off the ball, he failed to show his trademark skills in a much harder test than League One Yeovil. His time will come.
Viafara - 7: worked hard and put in tackle after tackle - just was well as he kept losing the ball with some poor passing. Needs a quality playmaker alongside him.
Surman - 6: not at his fluent best as he struggled to impose himself in central midfield, with few of his cute passes come off for him. Looks better in space on the flanks. Provided an assist flicking on the corner for Rasiak's strike, moments after he might have scored himself with Saints' best opportunity after our best move.
Skacel - 8: quiet in the first half as Saints struggled to retain possession, but almost singlehandedly tried to win the game for Saints in the second half, stung by the horror equaliser. Saints simply have to get him in the game more, as when he was his quality shone through. So nearly scored with a sharp spin and turn on the edge of the box. This guy has some serious potential.
Wright-Phillips - 6: worked himself some good openings with his pace, but needs to be more clinical in front of goal. Tired badly late on when he kept on losing the ball and should have been substituted for the fit-again Fuller.
Rasiak - 7: not the hardest working performance, but he held the ball up well and did his job by taking his chance when it came after a well worked corner. Saints need to provide him with better service and he will score the goals.
Substitutes
Dyer - 7: did his best to inject some life and pace into the game, but again guilty of wasting promising positions, many of his own making. Made an excellent back post intervention to prevent a Preston winner.
Jones - 6: after a strong performance in mid-week, perhaps more was expected of Kenwyne who won plenty in the air, but didn't look like scoring.
Wright - 6: un unfit looking Wright came on for Lallana at half time and failed to wrest control back of midfield. Had two good efforts on goal.