[retired_bigmamma]

Andy_H up for nomination for Worst FM2006 Manager for 2007?

[retired_abubaker]

Originally posted by Goldy:
<BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by Andy H:
I tell ya ever since i won all those awards the whole interneting world is out to get me!!!!

They are just jealous of my landslide victory at the awards, never to be repeated!!!

Shame your FM skills arnt upto the same level eh! </BLOCKQUOTE>

Says the man too scared to rejoin EFB because he knows everyone would hammer him as he had no way to edit the database!!! :p

[retired_bigmamma]

Originally posted by Andy H:
<BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by Goldy:
<BLOCKQUOTE>Originally posted by Andy H:
I tell ya ever since i won all those awards the whole interneting world is out to get me!!!!

They are just jealous of my landslide victory at the awards, never to be repeated!!!

Shame your FM skills arnt upto the same level eh! </BLOCKQUOTE>

Says the man too scared to rejoin EFB because he knows everyone would hammer him as he had no way to edit the database!!! :p </BLOCKQUOTE>

Come on Gold you have to answer that challenge now, rejoin EFB and put your skills where your mouth is.

[retired_pjscott64]

Where Eagles dare

So we approach the new year and with so much to look forward to for the Palace fans. A league Cup Semi Final against Man City and an FA cup match against Man United! An unbeaten run still in the league with Palace staring automatic promotion and a championship win in the face… oh happy days!!


2nd January 2006[/b]

A slow start for both sides but Palace got going in the second half and really took Leeds apart in front of their own fans! Michal Gottwald scored the first goal just before the hour and that kick started a massacre! Andy Johnson and Tom Soares both scored within 3 minutes of each other and AJ got the final goal with only seconds left on the refs watch. A fine way to start the new year, and to cap it all off, Danny Granville picked up the Man of the Match award

Leeds 0 Palace 4
Palace Scorers : Gottwald (56) Johnson(73, 89) Soares (76)
Att : 28537
MOM : Danny Granville (Crystal Palace)


4th January 2006[/b]

Another slow starting game but unlike the Leeds one, this one never got going and a single strike from the goal machine that is AJ was enough to give Palace the three points, Danny Granville picked up a second successive Man of the Match magnum too :thup:

Palace 1 QPR 0
Palace Scorers : Johnson (63)
Att : 26481
MOM : Danny Granville (Crystal Palace)


7th January 2006 – FA Cup 3rd Round[/b]

A day out at the Theatre of Dreams, and not even the most ardent Eagles fan could have dreamed of the result from this game!! The third game of the year with no goals in the first half burst into life in the second half! Gottwald got the fans singing with a superb strike immediately after the restart and Richie Foran had them feeling “Glad All Over” when he doubled the advantage to really wind up the OT faithful. Man U were not likely to give up that easy though but despite their best efforts they were unable to get back into the game! Tony Popovic confirming that the defensive line plays an important in the Palace success story by grabbing the Man of the Match Champagne as the Palace boys partied hard next to the Prawn sandwich brigade celebrating another famous scalp for this remarkable season :cool:

Man U 0 Palace 2
Palace Scorers : Gottwald (46) Foran (60)
Att : 55007
MOM : Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace)


11th January 2006 – Carling Cup Semi Final 1st Leg[/b]

After beating City’s more glamorous neighbours, everyone must have felt like this game was a walk in the park for the underdogs! Players included as it turned out The first half was a lesson on how to throw away a seasons hard work allowing Darius Vassell to grab to priceless goals which may have secured a final spot for the blues of City. Palace were unable to respond and now face having to overhaul a 2 goal deficit in the return leg

Man City 2 Palace 0
City Scorers : Vassell (23, 44)
Att : 46445
MOM : Richard Dunne (Man City)



14th January 2006[/b]

A penalty after three minutes seemed to set the tone for this match, a clean game with some bizarre and harsh refereeing! Micah Hyde converted the first of three penalties to be awarded in this match, this one for the visiting team. Gottwald converted the next awarded Penalty for the home side and ensured the sides went in level at the half time whistle. Foran netted the third bizarre award of the day while Marcus Berg grabbed the only goal from open play midway through the second half to seal the victory for the Eagles

Palace 3 Burnley 1
Palace Scorers : Gottwald (Pen 21) Foran (Pen 47) Berg (70)
Burnley Scorers : Hyde (Pen 3)
Att : 18349
MOM : Marcus Berg (Crystal Palace)



21st January 2006 [/b]

Well, it had to happen eventually, after losing the unbeaten in all competitions tag to Man City, the Unbeaten in the league title finally fell to a very dour and fortunate Preston! Patrick Agmeyang grabbing the only goal of the game and consigning Palaces record breaking run to the history books :eek:

Preston 1 Palace 0
Preston Scorers : Agmeyang (49)
Att : 18743
MOM : Chris Lucketti (Preston)


25th January 2006 – League Cup Semi Final Second Leg[/b]

A full house for the biggest game of the season (so far!) at Selhurst Park, and although a seemingly impossible task of overturning the 2 goal deficit lay before them, the team were looking very positive, and the crowd were right behind them! Tom Soares sent all the hearts a flutter and gave everyone hope at the close of a very tight first half when he struck home to send the eagles in ahead at the break! In the second half palace camped in the city half but were unable to find that elusive precious second goal and the team slumped to the turf at the final whistle The crowd were fantastic though and sung and danced as if they won, celebrating the journey rather than the final destination :thup:

Palace 1 Man City 0 (Palace lose 2-1 on aggregate)
Palace Scorers : Soares (43)
Att : 26483
MOM : Tom Soares (Crystal Palace)


28th January 2006 [/b]

A hectic schedule for January showed no signs of letting up but despite the crushing disappointment of the previous game Palace responded well taking the lead via a well crafted Emmerson Boyce goal which was enough to see Palace to the break with a deserved lead. Jon Macken doubled the advantage mid way through the second half but the lead was halved again almost immediately when the dome headed Dublin pulled one back against the run of play. Super AJ to the rescue with the insurance goal 5 minutes before time to ensure the three points for Palace and another Man of the Match award for his collection :cool:

Forest 1Palace 3
Palace Scorers : Boyce(22) Macken (71) Johnson (85)
Forest Scorers : Dublin (72)
Att : 16754
MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)


28th January 2006 [/b]

After a month of disappointments for the Palace faithful, a spectacular finale, with yet another Man of the Match performance from top scorer Andy Johnson, who nabbed 4 goals in this onesided game! Tom Soares opened the goal fest after just 8 minutes, and Gottwald slotted home a penalty less than half an hour later, with Johnson grabbing 2 of his 4 in the final 5 minutes of the half. Morgan pulled a consolation goal back for the home side but all that did was flatter to deceive as Palace finished off the game in clinical style with AJ getting another Brace in the second half and Richie Foran adding his name to the scoresheet as the palace fans went searching for the record books !

Luton 1Palace 7
Palace Scorers : Soares (8) Gottwald (Pen 34) Johnson (40, 42, 54, 65) Foran (69)
Luton Scorers : Morgan (45)
Att : 9907
MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Awards

Tom Soares moved onwards and upwards after last months young player of the month award, he now received the player of the month award, and AJ came in a very close runner up to him again, Paul Rouch also picked up the Manager of the Month award after a bittersweet month

Position

Top :thup:

Top Scorer

Andy Johnson – 25

Top rated player

Tom Soares – 7.86

[retired_abubaker]

The Saints Sun - The race for second hots up!!!

Hepburn is now back in charge of the Saints after his break and has consolidated and propelled the Saints into real contention for the runners up spot in the Championship along with Reading and Wolves who are pushing each other all the way. With the league all but over as Palace are so far ahead there is still a lot of interest in the race for second place. Here is a rundown of the latest games in the Saints push for automatic promotion..........


Championship

Southampton v Crystal Palace - (H) Wed 28th December 2005

What a huge game for Hepburn to come back to as runaway league leaders Crystal Palace came to St Mary's intent on keeping their unbeaten run in tact. Hepburn had is own team's unbeaten to think about as well. It was a game that Palace dominated and should have been a few goals up by half time. Luckily for the Saints they only had a Berg goal to show for their efforts. Hepburn was not happy and in the second half it was a different Southampton team. They actually competed and started to make a game of it and got in amongst the Palace players. Rouch's Palace were made to pay for all those misses as Kenwyne Jones popped up with the equaliser for the Saints nine minutes from time to give Southampton an undeserved and lucky point, but hey we'll take it.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 1 Crystal Palace
Goals - Southampton - Jones (81)
Goals - Palace - Berg (28)
Att - 24259
MOTM - Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace)


Championship

Southampton v Reading - (H) Mon 2nd January 2006

Another huge game here as Tony Hall's pormotion chasing Reading came to St Mary's in a game that could go a long way to decide who finishes in second place come the end of the season. This was a funny old game as the Saints dominated the opening stages and yet found themselves 2-0 down at half time due to two Dave Kitson goals. Hepburn was not panicking and knew the goals for the Saints would come. The goals eventually did come and they started to fly in. Naismith got the Saints back into the game with a goal early in the second half. This gave them some belief that they could get something out the game and then two quickfire goals left Reading stunned. Firstly Jones scored in seventy minutes then only three minutes later Murray put Southampton ahead much to the delight of Hepburn and the fans!!! Jones then grabbed his second and Southampton's fourth and there seemed no way back for Reading. They pulled a goal back in injury time but it was not enough in the end as the Saints finally earned a deserved three points.

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 3 Reading
Goals - Southampton - Naismith (51), Jones (70,81), Murray (73)
Goals - Reading - Kitson (13,19), Hunt (90)
Att - 24360
MOTM - Kenwyne Jones (Southampton)


Championship

Brighton v Southampton - (A) Wed 4th January 2006

After two tough home games, Hepburn was glad to see the back of St Mary's as it was off to the beach in Brighton and of course to play some football. The Saints started the game as if they were still on the beach and Brighton took full advantage as Hammond fired them ahead inside two minutes. Hepburn was not too happy and fired his team up and they immediately went on the attack in search of an equaliser. They got the equaliser through Kenwyne Jones and then he quickly got a second to put the Saints in control till half time. Yet again though in the second half Southampton went to sleep at the back and Brighton were level. It was yet another good response from the Saints as they pressed for another goal and Jones fired in his hat trick to put the Saints ahead again. Rasiak then added a fourth to put the icing on the cake for the Saints. Terrific game for the fans but left both managers tearing their hair out!!!!!

Final Score - Brighton 2 v 4 Southampton
Goals - Brighton - Hammond (2), McKenzie (47)
Goals - Southampton - Jones (16,24,77), Rasiak (84)
Att - 5880
MOTM - Kenwyne Jones (Southampton)


FA Cup 3rd Round

Southampton v Barnet - (H) Sun 8th January 2006

After the pressures of the Championship it was a welcome distraction being in the FA Cup as they faced Barnet, looking to cause an upset. Unfortunately for them they found the Saints in formidable form and Barnet were brushed aside with some great attacking football in the first half that saw the Saints score three times through Naismith, Potter and Rasiak. The second half was nothing more than a training exercise although Rasiak did add a fourth but other than that it was all Southampton and they could have ran up a cricket score here if they wanted to!!!

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 0 Barnet
Goals - Southampton - Naismith (5), Potter (19), Rasiak (29,55)
Sent Off - Adam Groves (Barnet)
Att - 15326
MOTM - Stephen Murray (Southampton)


Championship

Stoke City v Southampton - (A) Sat 14th January 2006

A professional and efficent performance from the Saints here, saw them run out comfortable winners in the end as they travelled to Stoke. Rasiak got the Saints off to a great start with a goal in five minutes and they looked to build on this goal but were unable to find a way through until ten minutes from time when Michael Duberry put the ball in his own net. Southampton should have scored more but Hepburn was more than happy with the three points.

Final Score - Stoke City 0 v 2 Southampton
Goals - Southampton - Rasiak (5), Duberry (og,80)
Att - 12278
MOTM - Paul Smith (Southampton)


Championship

Southampton v Ipswich - (H) Sat 21st January 2006

Hepburn was wanting his team to keep this incredible run going and next up was Ipswich at St Marys. It was another game that the Saints dominated from start to finish but were made to pay for a host of missed chances as Ipswich escaped with a draw. Rasiak put the Saints ahead in the second half but right at the death Westlake scored a dramatic equaliser to grab a point.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 1 Ipswich
Goals - Southampton - Rasiak (53)
Goals - Ipswich - Westlake (90)
Sent Off - Jaime Peters (Ipswich)
Att - 25108
MOTM - Lewis Price (Ipswich)


FA Cup 4th Round

Southampton v WBA - (H) Sat 28th January 2006

It was back to the FA Cup for the Saints where they faced Premiership side WBA in what was going to be a tough game. Southampton produced one of their best performances and Hepburn was absolutely delighted with it. They dominated WBA for long spells and they had no answer to the Saints attacking prowess. Darren Potter was the hero for the Saints as he grabbed two goals. Kenwyne Jones scored a third for the Saints as they were rampant. A fantastic performance from the Saints and well worth their fifth round slot.

Final Score - Southampton 3 v 0 WBA
Goals - Southampton - Potter (pen,23,48), Jones (27)
Att - 15945
MOTM - Paul Smith (Southampton)


Championship

Southampton v Leicester - (H) Tues 31st January 2006

Buoyed by a terrific performance in the FA Cup it was back to the Championship where they faced Leicester City at St Marys. They suffered somewhat of a cup hangover as they were not at their best and yet they should have came away with all three points as they created enough chances but in the end had to settle for a draw. A sloppy opening from the Saints saw Leicester go in front but a wonder goal from Gary McDonald got the Saints back level. In the second half the Saints huffed and puffed but did not have enough to find the winner.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 1 Leicester
Goals - Southampton - McDonald (42)
Goals - Leicester - Williams (19)
Att - 25286
MOTM - Stephen Hughes (Leicester)


It has been a great spell for the Saints and lets hope it continues for along time to come as they push for automatic promotion.

[retired_pjscott64]

Wheres my post from last night :eek:

[retired_abubaker]

Was about to ask the exact same thing!!! :eek:

Hope you saved your update mate.

[retired_abubaker]

The Saints Sun - Still going strong for second place!!!!!


We enter into February and Hepburn's Southampton are still very much in the hunt for second place. Wolves have fallen out of the race but Tony Hall's Reading are still up there fighting with the Saints for that all important second place and automatic promotion to the Premiership. February has been full of goals and brilliant football from the Saints as they try to maintain this unbelievable unbeaten that they are on. Here is a rundown of the latest games.........


Championship

Sheffield Utd v Southampton - (A) Sat 4th February 2006

The month started with an away game at Steff Browning's inconsistent Sheffield Utd team. An open, attacking game of football for the fans and a game that the Saints came out on top in. The Saints started well and Belmadi had them in front in fourteen minutes. They continued to dominate but could not add to their lead. Right on half time supposed dud Clinton Morrison grabbed the equaliser much to the displeasure of Hepburn as he berated his defence as they left the pitch at half time. The Blades came out in the second half a different team as they started to get on top of the Saints and Morrison scored again to give them some what of a shock lead. This seemed to bring the Saints to life and Naismith had them level inside three minutes and then who else but Kenwyne Jones grabbed the winner seven minutes from the end. It was harsh on Utd who put up a great fight in the second half but just not enough as the Saints continued to march on.

Final Score - Sheffield Utd 2 v 3 Southampton
Goals - Sheffield Utd - Morrison (45,63)
Goals - Southampton - Belmadi (14), Naismith (66), Jones (83)
Att - 25104
MOTM - Michael Svensson (Southampton)


Championship

Watford v Southampton - (A) Sat 11th February 2006

Another tough away fixture for the Saints but they knew they had to keep grinding out results to stay ahead of Reading and they did so again against Watford, although in truth they should have scored a few more goals. They dominated the first half without finding a breakthrough but they found a way through in the second half as Richard Chaplow starting his first game for the Saints scored a stunning opener. Watford who showed nothing in attack equalised from the penalty spot but again it was that man Jones who saved the Saints with a goal that again proved to be the winner. The game should have been over and done with by half time but the Saints do not seem to do things the easy way!!!!

Final Score - Watford 1 v 2 Southampton
Goals - Watford - Keene (pen,72)
Goals - Southampton - Chaplow (54), Jones (76)
Att - 13989
MOTM - Kamil Kosowski


Championship

Southampton v Cardiff - (H) Tues 14th February 2006

It was back to St Marys next for the visit of Rob Perry's Cardiff, who have turned their season around with their own excellent run of form. It was a highly entertaining game that Hepburn was glad to take three points from. Their were chances for both sides but the Saints again made hard work of it. They started well with Pahars giving the Saints the lead in ten minutes but Cardiff were soon level through Roberts. Then Jones got in on the act and scored to put the Saints ahead just before half time and then added another soon after half time. Southampton should have went on to win the game easily but Cardiff fought back and pulled a goal back through Sodje to set up a brilliant last twenty five minutes or so. It was tense and nervy towards the end for the Saints but they held on well for another three points.

Final Score - Southampton 3 v 2 Cardiff
Goals - Southampton - Pahars (10), Jones (40,59)
Goals - Cardiff - Roberts (18), Sodje (62)
Att - 18155
MOTM - Zizi Roberts (Cardiff)


FA Cup 5th Round

Southampton v Tottenham - (H) Sat 18th February 2006

A huge game for Southampton as they entertained Tottenham in the FA Cup. It was a fantastic game as Southampton put everything they had into it. At times it looked as if Paul Robinson would not be beaten as he pulled off save after save but he could do nothing to prevent Belmadi curling in a free kick from twenty five yards that had everyone in the stadium on their feet. Tottenham came back strongly after the goal as the Saints started to tire and right at the death they broke from a Southampton corner and Robbie Keane scored a dramatic equaliser to keep Tottenham in the competition. It left the Saints heartbroken as the full time whistle went soon after and the players just slumped down on the pitch, absolutely dejected as they thought they had done more than enough to get through.

Final Score - Southampton 1 v 1 Tottenham
Goals - Southampton - Belmadi (59)
Goals - Tottenham - Keane (90)
Att - 16757
MOTM - Djamel Belmadi (Southampton)


Championship

Hull v Southampton - (A) Wed 22nd February 2006

After the huge disappointment in the cup, Hepburn had to pick his players up and get them focussed on beating Hull at The Circle. The Saints produced again for their manager, an effiecent performance and a clean sheet as well. Dexter Blackstock, another youngster from the academy was pitched in for this game and repaid the manager's faith by hitting a double. It could have and should have been more but again Boaz Myhill produced some outstanding saves to deny the Saints more goals. The unbeaten run was still intact and the Saints were going strong.

Final Score - Hull 0 v 2 Southampton
Goals - Southampton - Blackstock (58,90)
Sent Off - Damien Delaney (Hull)
Att - 17970
MOTM - Dexter Blackstock (Southampton)


Championship

Crewe v Southampton - (A) Sat 25th February

After the good win at Hull it was off to whipping boys Crewe in search of another feast of goals just like in the match at St Marys between the two. It proved hard work again as for the first twenty minutes the Saints were non exsistent as Crewe were all over them and could have been a couple of goals up. Luckily Paul Smith was on good form and they were only one behind. Hepburn was livid and fired up his players and they soon got back into the game through that man Jones who was scoring for fun. Matthew Oakley put them ahead with a great strike and then in the second half Jones got his second of the game and Southampton's third. They were dominating the game at this point and should sealed the game with the amount of chances they were creating. Crewe pulled a goal back tweo minutes from time but it was not enough as the Saints left with yet another three points.

Final Score - Crewe 2 v 3 Southampton
Goals - Crewe - Rix (13), Suhaj (88)
Goals - Southampton - Jones (18,63), Oakley (36)
Att - 7363
MOTM - Kenwyne Jones (Southampton)


It has been another brilliant month for the Saints who have maintained their unbeaten run in the league and almost beat Tottenham in the FA Cup. The Saints are doing superbly and remain on course for automatic promotion to the Premiership.

[retired_pjscott64]

Where Eagles dare

Despite being knocked out of the League cup at the semifinal stage, Palace fans are still feeling “Glad All Over” as they still top the Championship by some marguin and are progressing well in the FA Cup :cool:


Crystal Palace Vs Coventry
4th February 2006

A tight game for the first 45 minutes exploded in to life in the second 45 when Jon Macken stroked the ball home for the home side, swiftly followed by a goal from AJ to give a 2 goal buffer for the home side. Adebola sparked a brief revival for the visitors but McAnuff sealed the win in some style with a superb goal to round off agreat game for the Eagles, and Andy Johnsons already overloaded shelves will have to accommodate yet another Man of the Match award :thup:

Palace 3 Coventry 1
Palace Scorers : Macken (67) Johnson (70) McAnuff (90)
Coventry Scorers : Adebola (85)
Att : 24179
MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)


Crystal Palace Vs Norwich
11th February 2006

Sandy Pettigrewand his merry band of Delia’s drunkards were next to visit Selhurst Park, so the Palace bar was well and truly stocked! Some of the spirit being supped by Sandy and Delia was obviously the teams spirit because it was a poor display from the so called promotion challengers as they slumped to a heavy defeat at the hands of the league leaders! Johnson struck first, with a double salvo of two goals in less than 60 seconds! Jobi McAnuff made it three nil before we reached the halfway point of the halfway point! McAnuff grabbed another after the restart before McDonald pulled a forlorn one back for Pettigrews Protégé’s, but it was nowhere near enough as Johnson immediately upped his game and grabbed another 2 goals to heap humiliation on the fellow EFB manager, secure another MOM award and ensure full bragging rights for The Palace Manager in the EFB forum!!

Palace 6 Norwich 1
Palace Scorers : Johnson (16, 17, 84, 90) McAnuff (22, 53)
Norwich Scorers : McDonald (65)
Att : 25961
MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)


14th February 2006[/b]

Palace were again in top form for this trip to Hillsborough, Gottwald banged in a scorcher mid way through the first half top give the Eagles the deserved lead. AJ followed up his 4 goals against Sandy Pettigrews Norwich with a brace against the Owls in the second 45 to seal a comfortable win and another MOM for Johnson :eek:

Sheff Weds 0 Palace 3
Palace Scorers : Gottwald (18) Johnson (59, 75)
Att : 28254
MOM : Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace


18th February 2006 – FA Cup 5th Round[/b]

A man of the match performance from Alan Marriott kept the League 2 outfit in the draw for the 6th round of the FA Cup, just! Palace were unlucky not to turn their dominance into goals and will feel sorely hard done by! They will certainly be feeling confident about the replay at Selhurst Park though

Lincoln 0 Palace 0
Att : 8159
MOM : Alan Marriott (Lincoln)


22nd February 2006[/b]

Despite derby taking the lead on the half hour mark with a fine goal from Idiakez, Palace were rarely troubled and were back on level terms when Jon Macken equalised just before the break. Andy Johnson put the Eagles ahead in the second half and Derby were unable to respond leaving the home side to pick up all the points as they close in on securing automatic promotion.

Palace 2 Derby 1
Palace Scorers : Macken (43) Johnson (51)
Derby Scorers : Idiakez (30)
Att : 23998
MOM : Jon Macken (Crystal Palace)


25th February 2006[/b]

A very close fought game with no goals from open play and 2 goals from hotly disputed penalties failing to separate the two sides. Wolves own Sicknote struck home their penalty in the first half and Richie Foran equalised in similar fashion late in the second half to keep the promotion bid on track for the Eagles and earn a share of the points

Wolves 1 Palace 1
Palace Scorers : Foran (pen 86)
Wolves Scorers : Anderton (Pen 45)
Att : 29132
MOM : Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace)


Awards

Andy Johnson seured a runner up spot in the Player of the month award after his recent run of Man of the match performances and high scoring! Billy Jones picked up the runner up award for the young player of the month award. Paul Rouch came 3rd in an all EFB managerof the month award :cool:

Position

Top

Top Scorer

Andy Johnson – 33

Top rated player

Peter Ramage – 7.80

[retired_abubaker]

The Saints Sun - Oh when the Saints go marching on!!!!!!!

In the month of March, Hepburn and his Saints are still going strong and second place is looking more and more likely by the game. They are still unbeaten and playing some absolutely superb football. Palace are far to far ahead and it's only a matter of time before they are crowned champions. Here is a rundown of the latest games from the Saints.............


FA Cup 5th Round Replay

Tottenham v Southampton - (A) Wed 1st March 2006

The Saints travelled to London to face Tottenham in the FA Cup replay and in all honesty were robbed of a sixth round slot. A Mido wondergoal separated the sides but the Saints found Paul Robinson in superman like form and just could not score. They had put in such a great effort over the two games that they did deserve to go through but in the end Tottenham's clinical finishing earned them that sixth round slot.

Final Score - Tottenham 1 v 0 Southampton
Goals - Tottenham - Mido (13)
Att - 36216
MOTM - Claus Lundekvam (Southampton)


Championship

Southampton v QPR - (H) Sat 4th March 2006

After the disappointment of going out the FA Cup, Hepburn fired his players up and they took their frustrations out on a poor QPR side. The Saints tore them apart with some superb finishing. They were 3-0 up inside half an hour and then just toyed with QPR for the rest of the game bearly getting out of second gear. Potter opened the scoring fromt he penalty spot, Cranie then scored a great header to make it 2-0 and then up popped Steven Naismith for number three only two minutes later. QPR were deflated but managed to pull a goal back right on half time through Paul Furlong. In the second half the Saints again dominated the game, with Steven Naismith scoring number four and then it was party time for the Saints as they coasted to victory.

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 1 QPR
Goals - Southampton - Potter (pen,15), Cranie (19), Naismith (21,58)
Goals - QPR - Furlong - (45)
Att - 19635
MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)


Championship

Leeds v Southampton - (A) Sat 11th March 2006

Next up for the Saints was a tough trip to Ellend road to face play off hopefuls Leeds. The Saints were playing with some much confidence and an air of we cannot be beaten they started the game as if they were the home side and had Leeds chasing shadows for much of the opening half hour or so. Kenwyne Jones got them off to a brilliant start by scoring after only three minutes and they just continued to dominate and Prutton scored a superb second for the Saints. Leeds came back into the game and pulled a goal back through Robbie Blake but it was the Saints who looked the more likely to increase their lead in the second half as opposed to Leeds equalising. It was another very good win for Southampton and they remain unbeaten!!!!!

Final Score - Leeds 1 v 2 Southampton
Goals - Leeds - Blake (33)
Goals - Southampton - Jones (3), Prutton (30)
Att - 19499
MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)


Championship

Preston v Southampton - (A) Sat 18th March 2006

This was supposedly another tough game for the Saints on paper as they travelled to face Preston who were also in the play off spots. The Saints however simply brushed them aside with another fantastic performance. They hardly let Preston settle and they were all over them as they dominated possession and created chance after chance. Steven Naismith was the star man for the Saints as he grabbed an impressive hat trick to leave Preston devestated. It should have been a lot more such was the Saints superiority throughout this game but Hepburn was delighted with the the three goals and performance.

Final Score - Preston 1 v 3 Southampton
Goals - Preston - Nugent (24)
Goals - Southampton - Naismith (23,45,62)
Att - 19499
MOTM - Steven Naismith (Southampton)


Championship

Southampton v Norwich - (H) Sat 25th March 2006

It seemed the Saints were doing the rounds of the play off hopefuls as they entertained Sandy Pettigrew's Norwich to St Marys. The game turned out to be a bit of a rout in the end with the Saints scoring two goals in either half but the Norich strikers passed up so many opporuntities to get back into the game Hepburn and the Saints must have had lady luck smiling on them. The scoreline was harsh on Norwich but Hepburn was not caring at full time as it was another good performance from his team. A Rasiak double in the first half and then further goals from Kosowski and Prutton in the second half gave the Saints the victory. Pettigrew needs to get himself a set of new strikers as his team's finishing was shocking!!!!

Final Score - Southampton 4 v 0 Norwich
Goals - Southampton - Rasiak (15,25), Kosowski (70), Prutton (79)
Att - 25455
MOTM - Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton)


It has been yet another great month for the Saints who just keep on winning and winning and that runners up spot is becoming more of a reality by the game. Reading are still hot on their heels though so they need to keep this up for the remainder of the season and they do have some tough games coming up so lets see how they get on....