Saints 2-1 Derby - Match Thread

[Jimmy_D]

1 hour ago, Golac's Cunning Stunts said:

We play Ipswich at home so one of those is within our control!

Not quite, need at least two others (three if we can’t make up the goal difference) as they have a game in hand.

[Mustang Saint]

3 hours ago, OneMrsWallace said:

Did you slaughter a goat? 😄

Currently camping in the Sahara desert, sure I can get one done if it helps?

Edited Saturday at 20:52 by Mustang Saint
Crap spelling

[Turkish]

5 minutes ago, Mustang Saint said:

Currently camping in the Sahara desert, sure I can get one done if it helps?

No need pal, the sacrifices already made, the prophets have already spoken the eternal unbeaten run is well underway 

[sfc4prem]

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

[BarberSaint]

5 hours ago, SNSUN said:

All kicking off on the touchline

Wrong sponsor.

[sfc4prem]

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

[sfc4prem]

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

[sfc4prem]

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

[saintant]

Today's win was unspectacular but very satisfying. At 1-0 down we showed a lot of grit to fight back and take the 3 points.  Games like this build character. We didn't panic and maintained the belief that we could turn things around and so it proved. As the pressure of the run-in builds it's good to know the side is mentally tough under adversity.

[goodymatt]

23 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

Sorry, can you repeat that?

[goodymatt]

24 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

Sorry, can you repeat that?

[SaintBobby]

Jander was MotM for me but Downes pretty epic too. In a tough physical game we needed both of them to shine and they did.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

5 minutes ago, SaintBobby said:

Jander was MotM for me but Downes pretty epic too. In a tough physical game we needed both of them to shine and they did.

Exactly. Thought the midfield were brilliant today. Some of the tackles Downes and Jander made were spectacular.

Was as Wrexham and few days ago and that was special but today was in many ways equally satisfying. At 1-0 down, there was no panic though there was increased intensity and once in the lead, you don't expect this team to surrender it.

Also thought Matsuki and Larin were great subs today. Happy times indeed.

[austsaint]

4 hours ago, Saint Pete said:

The Wrexham performance was obviously more eye catching but I think today is the one that shows how far this team have come on. This was exactly the kind of game against an ugly physical opposition that we would previously have dropped points in, particularly after the setback of going behind. But the way we found a way to turn it around speaks volumes for the confidence and steel that Tonda has instilled in these players. There was no panic, just a determination and belief that we would find the quality to come back and get the 3 points. 

Scienza's star quality was key for the vital equaliser of course but my MotM  by a mile was Flynn Downes who was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. He was the heartbeat of the team today and won so many challenges where he seemed second favourite. Also thought Jander had his best game for a while alongside him, always felt we had superiority in the middle of the pitch, even in the 1st half. 

The Downes and Jander combination was brilliant today, as you say, even in the first half they dominated the midfield.    As much as Charles is a silky mover and Bragg a promising, hard working centre mid.   Downes particularly, and Jander manage to combine both the graft of defensive duties with attacking forays and an eye for a pass.    You can see why Clubs are looking at Jander and we will do well to keep him, while the Downes redemption is complete and he must rank as among the best cm’s in the division and worthy of another opportunity at Prem level.   Likewise THB, another commanding performance, and Scienza’s goal right from the top drawer.

 

[Football Special]

8 hours ago, saintant said:

Today's win was unspectacular but very satisfying. At 1-0 down we showed a lot of grit to fight back and take the 3 points.  Games like this build character. We didn't panic and maintained the belief that we could turn things around and so it proved. As the pressure of the run-in builds it's good to know the side is mentally tough under adversity.

Completely agree, Derby were a textbook Eustace side. He's very good at frustrating teams and when we went a goal down it wasn't easy to get back into it. Needed to be patient, far too many fans moaning around me with short memories of our recent achievements, they soon cheered up when Scienza magic got us back into the game. 

Derby fans made a lot of noise and good numbers. 31,206 attendance think our biggest of the season 

Azaz might need a rest on Tuesday night 

[Jack]

While we were in control first half I thought we moved the ball far too slowly, a bit too obsessed with possession rather than trying to create. Was surprised how flat the atmosphere was considering how we’re doing but maybe it was just because of a flat performance. Their plan was to kick us off the park but their goal woke us up and the 2nd half was far better. 
 

As others have said, Jander and Downes were class in there today. Very tidy finish from Leo and maybe a bit of fortune for our 2nd. Bearing in mind the ref didn’t want to blow up for anything, the free kick that led to our winner was very soft and their keeper will be disappointed not to have got something on it.
 

Shame that Ipswich won but nobody else in the top 6 did, that cements our place 

[Draino76]

12 hours ago, Saint NL said:

The Portsmouth winner today went in off his knob, so Fellows knows what he has to do against Blackburn 

 

Some big dick energy right there. 

[musesaint]

Casper Jander should get far more credit than he often does.
 

Overall his performances this season have been outstanding. Against Derby he and Downes were superb. I can only see us hanging on to him next season if we go up - and even then he’s going to attract a lot of interest from elsewhere. 

[beatlesaint]

Jander had his best game for ages. Downes has been back to his best for some time now so all those illness issues seem to be behind him. 
Larin has surprised me the last two or three games. He looked for all the world like a player you just wanted in the area to get on the end of crosses but no, he can play a bit, he’s got some pace about him as well. He’s obviously been working on fitness quite a bit since he’s been here. 

[CylonKing]

15 hours ago, stknowle said:

Hmmm not too sure about different class but I will say that Larin starting, bulldozing the oppo defence for an hour, then the more refined Stewart coming on and taking advantage of the thus battered defence is looking like the best option. 

Alright, a step up then. Think he brought some great hold up play and brought people into the game well. Did pop up in unexpected places and his turn of speed is still surprising.

[Tom & Gerry]

9 hours ago, austsaint said:

The Downes and Jander combination was brilliant today, as you say, even in the first half they dominated the midfield.    As much as Charles is a silky mover and Bragg a promising, hard working centre mid.   Downes particularly, and Jander manage to combine both the graft of defensive duties with attacking forays and an eye for a pass.    You can see why Clubs are looking at Jander and we will do well to keep him, while the Downes redemption is complete and he must rank as among the best cm’s in the division and worthy of another opportunity at Prem level.   Likewise THB, another commanding performance, and Scienza’s goal right from the top drawer.

 

I don't disagree, but if you need a late goal I'd rather have Charles than Jander, but both great options. 

[BallBoy]

This probably should be a separate topic but I just want to make a point:

Our starting line up yesterday included these players- Bree, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows and Azaz. All have, at various times, been in the category of "should never wear the shirt again".

What a remarkable coach we have. Not only an astute tactician but also capable of transforming individual players. A brilliant coach.

[Toadhall Saint]

15 minutes ago, BallBoy said:

This probably should be a separate topic but I just want to make a point:

Our starting line up yesterday included these players- Bree, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows and Azaz. All have, at various times, been in the category of "should never wear the shirt again".

What a remarkable coach we have. Not only an astute tactician but also capable of transforming individual players. A brilliant coach.

Jander?

[Toadhall Saint]

15 minutes ago, BallBoy said:

This probably should be a separate topic but I just want to make a point:

Our starting line up yesterday included these players- Bree, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows and Azaz. All have, at various times, been in the category of "should never wear the shirt again".

What a remarkable coach we have. Not only an astute tactician but also capable of transforming individual players. A brilliant coach.

Jander?

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

7 hours ago, BallBoy said:

This probably should be a separate topic but I just want to make a point:

Our starting line up yesterday included these players- Bree, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows and Azaz. All have, at various times, been in the category of "should never wear the shirt again".

What a remarkable coach we have. Not only an astute tactician but also capable of transforming individual players. A brilliant coach.

Bree and Azaz too?

Dont have a go at the modern Telfer in Bree!

[Charlie Wayman]

20 hours ago, sfc4prem said:

Cuttla thoughts after today.

 

St Mary's was very cold today - wind was bitter.

Someone behind me said that Stewart was shit - I asked if he said that after his goal against Arsenal.

Jander and Downes were superb.

Derby fans were loud all the way up to our second, great support.

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

How many balls were crossed or drilled in today that absolutely no one got on the end of? Crazy. 

Morris was a handful but on the whole I think we defended really well in duels and from crosses. Additionally defended well in midfield and up front. Some good pressing and ball winning from the likes of Jander and Downes.

Another win! If only we didn't have that shite time under Still, eh?

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

[Charlie Wayman]

 

 

8 hours ago, BallBoy said:

This probably should be a separate topic but I just want to make a point:

Our starting line up yesterday included these players- Bree, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Jander, Fellows and Azaz. All have, at various times, been in the category of "should never wear the shirt again".

What a remarkable coach we have. Not only an astute tactician but also capable of transforming individual players. A brilliant coach.

Still the same idiot fans though, they haven't changed a bit. Wait 'til we lose a game

[Charlie Wayman]

On 11/04/2026 at 17:39, pimpin4rizeal said:

Best game jander has had for ages imo tons of quick breaks came from him and played a lovely ball near the end 

Jander has had a lot of very good games for us but very few poor ones. He is totally underrated by many on here. He's a class player in a classless league. He'll shine in the PL either with us or somebody else. No question a future German full international.

[sfc4prem]

19 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

Three other people saw it exactly the way you did!

Classic. Think the forum was 502ing me.

[Sheaf Saint]

14 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Jander has had a lot of very good games for us but very few poor ones. He is totally underrated by many on here. He's a class player in a classless league. He'll shine in the PL either with us or somebody else. No question a future German full international.

He was horrifically bad in the first half away at Leicester. One of the worst individual performances I've ever seen. Lucky not to get sent off too.

But overall I fully agree. He's a classy player and he was superb against Derby.

[Badger]

1 hour ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Jander has had a lot of very good games for us but very few poor ones. He is totally underrated by many on here. He's a class player in a classless league. He'll shine in the PL either with us or somebody else. No question a future German full international.

CM is the big question mark for me, most other positions I think we can safely state our best line up.

But two of Downes, Jander and Charles, with Bragg as another option (perhaps in addition to), seems an embarrassment of riches for Tonda to select from depending on the opposition and rotation for fitness. In January Downes seemed down the pecking order, but not any more. 

[BarberSaint]

1 hour ago, Badger said:

CM is the big question mark for me, most other positions I think we can safely state our best line up.

But two of Downes, Jander and Charles, with Bragg as another option (perhaps in addition to), seems an embarrassment of riches for Tonda to select from depending on the opposition and rotation for fitness. In January Downes seemed down the pecking order, but not any more. 

Downes was excellent yesterday.  Played like a real footballer, not a wall.

[DT]

Good win and one we would have lost with previous goalkeeper especially. Peretz has made such a difference to this team, enthusing the defence with confidence, which spreads through midfield and means we are always in with a chance. Think automatic is still beyond us with Ipswich's win but fancy us in the playoffs, quite frankly. In a way we don't want to be that team that goes in and just misses out as there is a history of such clubs not being to raise it again for the playoffs. Well done Saints. 

Bazunu would have let four in.

[DT]

14 hours ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Jander has had a lot of very good games for us but very few poor ones. He is totally underrated by many on here. He's a class player in a classless league. He'll shine in the PL either with us or somebody else. No question a future German full international.

Totally agree. He's very good. Really hope he stays but think he's off, no?

[wild-saint]

11 minutes ago, DT said:

Totally agree. He's very good. Really hope he stays but think he's off, no?

Not sure any of them will go if we can secure promotion. 

[Ted Bates Statue]

On 11/04/2026 at 22:20, sfc4prem said:

The Northam Wall really turned it on today, a big reason for our win I think - hence the two goals scored when shooting toward it second half.

Sat in the Chapel for the first time this season and although Derby were noisy next to me throughout, I thought the rest of the stadium was quiet beyond the 20 or 30 supporters trying to make some noise in my block.

I did suspect the wind might have been affecting what could be heard at the other end of the ground, so I'm glad your post confirmed my theory as it would be a shame for the atmosphere to fall flat after the excitement we've had of beating Arsenal and finally climbing into the playoff places.

[saintant]

Love Azaz as a player but he must start putting his foot through the ball when shooting. At least 3 times on Saturday he had good opportunities but each time he tried to place the ball in the net almost like he was passing it. Put your laces through the ball Finn!

[Scummer]

Not sure if it was already mentioned, but fair play to our fans for continuing the minute's applause even though we conceded in the middle of it.

[OldNick]

When the teams came out and our players were holding their babies I did wonder if there would be a loss of focus, it had a feel of a end of season game that meant nothing. (I assume as it was the last 3oclock kick off is why they did this)

It certainly showed in the first knockings of the game as we didnt seem up for it.

Brilliant how the Northam sung OWTS to lift us when Derby scored, these little things make a lot of difference 

[RedWillie]

5 hours ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

Sat in the Chapel for the first time this season and although Derby were noisy next to me throughout, I thought the rest of the stadium was quiet beyond the 20 or 30 supporters trying to make some noise in my block.

I did suspect the wind might have been affecting what could be heard at the other end of the ground, so I'm glad your post confirmed my theory as it would be a shame for the atmosphere to fall flat after the excitement we've had of beating Arsenal and finally climbing into the playoff places.

Likewise for me. 1st time in chapel for a last minute ticket. Saints fans were Drowned out by Derby until we scored then they lost their voices.

[spyinthesky]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

When the teams came out and our players were holding their babies I did wonder if there would be a loss of focus, it had a feel of a end of season game that meant nothing. (I assume as it was the last 3oclock kick off is why they did this)

It certainly showed in the first knockings of the game as we didnt seem up for it.

Brilliant how the Northam sung OWTS to lift us when Derby scored, these little things make a lot of difference 

I cant think why players come out carrying babes in arms.
It must be a bit of an ordeal for them with the noise and unusual surroundings.
OK'ish if this is done last game of the season with nothing to play for but at this stage of the season, rather bizaare.

[SaintTex]

i just want to note that the sale price for Fernandes last summer equals the total price to acquire:

Azaz, Jander, Fellows, Scienza, as well as Peretz and Larin (small loan fees)

 

Edited 3 hours ago by SaintTex

[davefizzy14]

Brilliant win for us 😊 cements our place in the top six. Hopefully we can chase down second now. Leo's goal was top 😊 THB's header from Mannings cross was precise 😊 Jander and Downes were outstanding in midfield 😊 COYR 😊