Bailey

Pardew spoke a lot of sense after the game and openly admitted that we weren't good enough today. I think the OPer is over-reacting massively, it is just one bad result after all. I wouldn't bet against us getting back to winning ways against Norwich next Saturday after today's disappointment.

Good performance from Antonio today, but once the Brighton full-backs sussed out that he's only really got pace and not a lot of skill and trickery, he became less effective. Still, he's a good, young, raw talent and under the right management, he could do well for himself. I'd like to see us sign him if possible, and lets see if Pardew et al. can get the best out of him on a regular basis.

Complacency crept in today. Add to that the fact that it was Poyet's first game in charge, and this was never going to be an 'easy 3 points' as some had suggested. Brighton looked up for it and wanted it more than us, simple as that. You can't argue with the result as we were quite simply not good enough today. First-half, Brighton were knocking the ball around, doing the basics very well and they looked dangerous going forward, purely because they were running at us with pace. Any side that does that against us will cause us problems because our back four lacks any real pace. Whilst we're on that subject, I wasn't impressed with Trotman or Jaidi today, but they've been excellent on the whole so I suppose they can be forgiven for having one bad game. Second-half was better, if only slightly. Brighton just put two banks of four across the pitch and invited Saints to break them down, but it wasn't to be. Hammond missed a guilt-edged chance and Lallana went close with a glancing header, but in reality it was just one of those days and Poyet's side fully deserved their win and the three points. Similarly to the Bristol Rovers defeat, this game might act as a little reminder to some of the staff, players and fans alike that we aren't head and shoulders above some of our League One rivals. It could act as a little reminder and a kick up the ass that we need. One thing is for sure, I don't envy Norwich! After today's disappointment, I doubt any side fancies facing us next Saturday. Saints to get back to winning ways and to go on a 10-game unbeaten run anyone? Keep the faith guys, things are on the up and it's only one bad result, lets not get too carried away!

A good, solid performance against potential title contenders. It wasn't our best game by any stretch of the imagination, but we did a job and saw out the game comfortably. I can't help but think that on paper, we have the best squad in this division, and by some distance too! Anyone at home for the semi-final would be ideal. Would love us to get to the final so we can have a day at Wembley.

Doesn't appear to be a thread on this yet, so lets get one going. Any ideas on the team for tonight? I get the impression Pards is going to rest one or two regulars. I wouldn't be surprised to see Perry and Thomas start together at the back either. Will Connolly get his first home start at St. Mary's?

Pardew took time to get things moving in the right direction here at Saints, and I think it'll be the same for Strachan at Boro. He's only had 2 games in charge, give him time and he'll turn it around. I think it'll turn out to be a top-draw appointment personally. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make an immediate return to the top flight either.

A good win against decent opposition. We should have seen the game out and gone on to win 3-0, but a couple of lapses in concentration gave Rovers a sniff and they almost took their chance. Full credit to Paul Trollope's side, they never gave up and pressed us right until the full-time whistle. Special mention to Connolly and Antonio too! They were both first-class and looked very lively, despite the fact the latter was at fault for their first goal. I'm very much looking forward to seeing who we face in the 2nd round now, and a home tie really wouldn't go a miss!

A good win against decent opposition. We should have seen the game out and gone on to win 3-0, but a couple of lapses in concentration gave Rovers a sniff and they almost took their chance. Full credit to Paul Trollope's side, they never gave up and pressed us right until the full-time whistle. Special mention to Connolly and Antonio too! They were both first-class and looked very lively, despite the fact the latter was at fault for their first goal. I'm very much looking forward to seeing who we face in the 2nd round now, and a home tie really wouldn't go a miss!

Game over now as far as I'm concerned. Even if we do let another slip, we won't let 3 in.

I don't see why people are making a deal out of the Gobern substitution. Harding was on a yellow and Williams was causing him all sorts of problems. It was possible that DH could have seen red, and it made sense to replace him with the game seemingly over at 3 nil. Admittedly, I would have put Mills on but he's playing at left-back now with Gobern further forward, so worry not!

Mills moves to LB, Gobern to LM.

Nope, Saints to win 4-1 with Lambert notching in the 88th minute.

Get the ball on the deck and keep it simple. These few mins of Rovers pressure will pass and if we can keep it at 3-1 then we'll see the game out comfortably. COYR!

I started grinning as that free-kick was awarded. I was convinced Lambert was about to put us 1 up. Great effort though, keep the pressure up Saints!

Would be a good move for all concerned. Matt needs games and he's nowhere near the first-team at the minute. Makes sense, and the move will benefit both Paterson and Saints long-term.

Makes our recent attendances look all the more impressive! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/8342581.stm

Everyone deserves a second chance, but the problem is, Marlon King has had a second, third and even fourth chance to sort himself out, yet he still causes problems. I wouldn't want him anywhere near our club when he gets released from prison. He's done wrong on numerous occasions and shouldn't be given the opportunity to get back into football IMO.

. . . that Gillett, Lancashire and Pulis have been removed from the 'Team Profile' section on the OS. Significant or am I reading too much into this?

The MK Dons keeper was very poor today. The crowd clearly got to him and he bottled it massively. Just goes to show how the Northam can influence a game!

Connolly made some clever runs today and looked very lively. His first-touch was a little off but that's understandable considering he's been out for the best part of a year. Really hope this x-ray is just a precaution and that he keeps himself fit. He could prove to be a key player for us over the course of this season. I can't help but compare Lambert and Connolly to a poor man's version of Beattie and Phillips!

Antonio was first-class today, but lets not get too carried away. He's definitely improving, but he's still a very raw talent at the minute. Initially, I think we're best off extending his loan until the end of the season and then reviewing the situation come May. Top draw peformance today though, make no mistake about it!

A good win against a poor MK Dons side. The first-half wasn't the best but we restricted Dons and but for their free-kick, they didn't have a sniff. Second-half we performed a lot better and full credit to Pardew for making the double change when he did. Antonio and Connolly turned the game on its head, with the former looking particularly impressive. Can't remember the last time Saints won 5 in a row! Great feeling! Roll on the next game!

Lancashire's joining Grimsby Town on an emergency loan. Will be confirmed over the weekend.

Suggest this is Saints trying to keep MK Dons guessing as to what XI we'll field come Saturday. Wouldn't be surprised to see Lallana line-up against them.

Dexter Blackstock notched as Forest recorded a 1-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend. Matt Mills scored during Reading's 3-1 loss at the hands of West Brom. Leon Best has been linked with a move to Wolves. Jack Cork and Martin Cranie are both earning rave reviews at Coventry too. I'm sure most clubs can look back at some of their former players and say how well they're doing now.