Wright - 7: A solid and hard working performance from the out of position midfielder who had a tough job to cope with Lee Hendrie's quality. Tidied up numerous times at the back, but offered little in attack as Saints' right hand side again failed to function.
Baird - 8, MOTM: Another commanding performance at the back from Chris Baird, who made a series of timely interventions and swept up numerous times at the back. Saints' best defender, no mean feat alongside Claus Lundekvam.
Lundekvam - 7: Still finding his way back to full fitness with his third game in a week, but was his usual calming presence and was afraid to get stuck in with some towering headers under pressure.
Bale - 7: Eye-catching performance in attack from the youngster combining well with Surman down the left and did what was required of him in defence. Shame he didn't bring his shooting boots today after getting into promising positions to score. One great run into the box was reminiscent of Wayne Bridge - great things are to come from Gareth and we simply must hold onto him.
Skacel - 5: A quiet afternoon's work from Rudi out of position on the right hand side of midfield. He had to keep cutting in on his left foot, but was unable to show his quality on the ball. We simply have to get him on the ball more in the final third.
Licka - 7: Outmuscled in the first half, he started to show his quality in the second after being asked by Burley to move forward more. He always made himself available with his movement and scored the winning goal with a quality run and strike from distance, even if the keeper might have done better after getting a hand to it.
Idiakez - 7: Kept Saints moving and showed his full range of passing and set piece ability. Also put in some good defensive work shorn of his usual workhorse Viafara.
Surman - 7: Impressive performance from the Saints' youngster on the left who put in a number of dangerous crosses and showed good quality on the ball. Just wish he can find a yard extra pace, as this boy has talent.
Jones - 6: Made a mischief of himself up front and proved a willing and hard working target man, but failed to show the necessary quality on the ball or in front of goal.
Rasiak - 6: A quiet afternoon from Rasiak, who had a couple of half chances. Saints' best finisher simply needs better service. Still has the turning circle of the QE2 though!
Subs
Dyer - 6: Little time to impress. Conceded possession a couple of times late on, but had no opportunity to run at the Stoke defence as we know he can.