Martin proud of the players
Russell Martin revealed his pride in the players as Saints saw off West Brom to move eight unbeaten in the league for the first time in 10 years.
The hosts made a dream start when Will Smallbone bundled the ball home after just five minutes, before Kyle Bartley levelled things up just past the hour-mark.
Looking for a third win on the spin, Martin’s side produced a second wave and found a second goal courtesy of Adam Armstrong, netting his ninth of the season to maintain winning momentum heading into the international break.
Reflecting on a closely-fought battle at St Mary’s, Martin said: “I thought it was a really good game of football. The pace of it, in the first half in particular, we had some really good moments and they had a couple, and then momentum has shifted in the second half, we had a few of the guys carrying niggles and stuff and it started to show, so we tried to get some subs on the pitch but couldn’t do it in time and they scored.
“They were good, really good; aggressive, athletic, set pieces are a real threat, Gavin had to make one brilliant save at the end, didn’t give them too much in open play, and we didn’t have too much either.
“Would’ve liked a bit more control but can’t have everything and sometimes you have to dig deep and the crowd were incredible, gave the players energy, the subs that came on helped and today we win because of spirit and belief, togetherness and a willingness to fight and defend late on and you’re going to need that however you play, so I’m really proud of the players for that but we can definitely be better than we were.”
Picking up a second successive win in SO14, the Saints boss still sees room for improvement from his side.
“There were so many good moments of playing through in the first half and then getting to the final third and it just didn’t come to enough and we have to do better. The guys at the back are taking huge courage and intensity to get the ball there and it was turned over too much.
"In the second half we had to defend too much, I understand that’s sometimes difficult but the crowd stuck with us at one-one, were brilliant and the subs had an impact. Today's a big day for us, a big win, it’s eight unbeaten, we’re in a really good place and we have to keep building and we will improve. I am happy, I promise, but I also want us to be better and it's my job to be demanding with them."
