Matthew Upson's return from suspension and Christophe Dugarry's recovery from a knee operation led to two fairly anticipated changes in the Blues starting eleven. Upson returned at the expense of the unlucky Darren Purse - who never even made the bench - whilst Stern John came in from the start for Dugarry.
Both sides started the game fairly comfortably with David Dunn an immediate threat for Blues, whilst Kevin Phillips and James Beattie were, as expected, a handful for Upson and Kenny Cunningham. It was the visitors who carved out the first chance of the game following a neat move and good work from Dunn. The ex-Blackburn man squared the ball for Geoff Horsfield who wasted an excelletn opportunity with a weak left-footed effort.
This was to set the tone for missed chances in the first half. At the other end, Michael Svensson headed wide when totally unmarked - a chance that Beattie would never have missed - before Beattie himself hit the crossbar as the Blues defence struggled. Their Southampton counterparts weren't fairing much better, however, as John was left unchallenged at a corner to head towards goal, only for Graeme Le Saux (surprisingly still on the pitch despite an early booking and persistent infringements thereafter) to clear off the line before Horsfield hit a volley straight at Paul Jones following a John flick. Other efforts included long range efforts from Dunn and Matt Oakley and Upson clearing well from in front of his own goal, to leave things 0-0 at half time.
Blues immediately took control of the second half, and felt that they may have been awarded an early penalty after what appeared to be a blatant foul on Dunn. However, Graham Barber waved play on, and I suppose people always say that these things even themselves out over a season, and Blues did win a slightly debatable penalty last week, so perhaps things are evenning themselves out early.
Stan Lazaridis replaced Horsfield after an hour, which enabled Dunn to occupy a free role, floating in the hole just behind the by now ineffective John. Blues continued to push forwards whilst Beattie and Phillips were shackled tremendously by Cunningham and Upson at the other end. Surprisingly enough it was Clemence who went closest for Blues when his header rebounded off the post following a Robbie Savage free-kick.
As Southampton's advances were reduced to counter-attacks, Steve Bruce threw on Clinton Morrison and Paul Devlin in the hope that they could conjure up a winner from somewher, and Morrison nearly did. With just 3 minutes remaining Lazaridis swept forward and played Morrison through (in very similar circumstances to last season's last gasp victory at Sunderland). Morrison though, whilst one-on-one with Jones couldn't get any lift on the shot, and the Welsh 'keeper was able to save. Despite his fairly weak effort throughout the game, it may have been a situation where one would have wished it were Stern John rather than Clinton Morrison, as there seems no doubt that John does know how to finish, and is liable to do nothing for 89 minutes before scoring.
It wasn't to be, however, and Blues had to settle for the point. If asked before the game, I'm sure most Blues fans would have been quite happy returning up the A34 with a draw given Southampton's home form of last season. In addition, last season drew at home to Spurs and lost away here. This season they have beaten Spurs at home and drawn here. It's all about a gradual progression, and certainly the club seem to be moving in the right direction.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Taylor - Comfortable in goal, dreadful kicking
Kenna - Solid
Clapham - Not his best game
Upson - Settled well after slightly rusty start
Cunningham - Superb
Johnson - Ever-willing
Dunn - Magnificient - looks hungry for success
Savage - Did his job well
Clemence - Quiet early on but grew into the game well
John - Poor
Horsfield - Missed two good chances
SUBS:
Lazaridis - Offered a new threat
Morrison - Should have won it
Devlin - Effective little cameo