Town went out of the Cup at the first hurdle to Premiership Southampton despite dominating the majority of the play. A Dean Richards header from a free-kick on the right after 38 minutes was the only goal in a sometimes dull and understated affair.

Town lined up as previously but with Fabian Wilnis replacing the imprisoned Gary Croft. Town started the stronger and had several corners in the openeing minutes. The pattern of the half swiftly emerged; Town passing the ball around classily whilst the Saints were content to hit us on the break.

Mark Hughes picked up his usual booking for a nasty-looking piece of retaliation on Jim Magilton, some referees might have been less lenient, particularly later on in the game.

Despite their possession Town were restricted mainly to long shots. Jim Magilton had a few, Mick Stockwell had a go and David Johnson and James Scowcroft both made Paul Jones make impressive saves.

The Southampton goal cane as a bit of a shock as it was perhaps Southampton's second chance of the night. Richards' header was a fine effort, although Tony Mowbray might have done better.

The goal hurt Town and they were quieter for rest of the half.

The second half saw Jermaine Wright replace the ineffective Fabian Wilnis with Mickey Stockwell moving to right-back. Once again Wilnis's crossing had been poor and he could well miss out on Saturday.

Town continued to have most of the play and could well have had a penalty when Matt Holland was shoved as a cross was whipped in from the right.

David Johnson, who had gone down injured on several occasions, was eventually replaced by Jonas Axeldal after 65 minutes.

A minute later Dean Richards went close to getting his second of the night, this time hitting the bar.

The game gradually drifted, but was revived in the last quarter of an hour or so by Richard Naylor. He replaced Mickey Stockwell as Town moved to 4-4-2 formation for the last eighteen minutes.

Naylor almost scored with his first kick of the ball, however Axeldal got in the ginger-haired striker's way. By now Town were having about a chance every thirty-seconds or so with Southampton going close on the break. Perhaps the best chance of the night saw Richard Naylor head over from a few yards out when it looked easier to score.

A second penalty appeal was turned down when Jamie Scowcroft appeared to be impeded as he entered the Southampton box.

Town then once again looked impressive, but lacked a cutting edge. Too many games are going by with this the end verdict. How soon before we have a new addition to the squad who can give us the breakthrough in games such as this?

R Wright 7 Little wrong

Wilnis 6 Poor crossing (J Wright 46, 6 Ineffective

McGreal 7 Good forward runs in first half

Mowbray 6 At fault on goal

Brown 6 Poor passing

Clapham 7 Waltzed round defenders

Holland 7 Possible penalty claim

Magilton 7 Some nice passing

Stockwell 7 Always busy (Naylor 72, 7 Had real effect when he came on)

Johnson 6 Not his night (Axeldal 65, 6 Little special)

Scowcroft 6 Not at his best

Photo: Action Images

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