Reserves Win At Millwall

Andrew Surman safely came through his return to action as Saints reserves beat Millwall 2-1 at the New Den this afternoon.

The midfielder had been sidelined since picking up a knee injury against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day. He played the first hour and could now be back in the frame for Saturday's promotion six pointer at West Brom.

The home side missed a decent chance in the opening minute but Stewart Henderson`s side took control.

Saints took the lead 15 minutes in when David McGoldrick played a sweet ball though to Nathan Dyer to beat the keeper. 5 minutes later a cross into the box came off a Millwall defender and McGoldrick finished well to make it 2-0.

Saints took charge and played some good stuff and could have been three or four up when the Lions pulled one back on 35 minutes when a cross was well controlled and poked home. Southampton were on top for most of the second half but the home side did have their moments in a competitive match played at a good tempo throughout.

Henderson said "It was a very good fitness work out for the lads who needed match practice like Inigo Idiakez, Chris Makin and of course Drew Surman who was always going to come off after an hour to avoid any risk of over doing it."

He continued "And it was good to see Sean Rudd back in the side for the first time since September. He missed a lot of last season with a knee injury and it flared up again in the autumn but he came through the last half hour."

Saints Reserves: Bailkowski, Ostlund, Makin, Licka, Byrne (Rudd 60), Cranie, Dyer, Lallana, McGoldrick (Dutton-Black 45), Idiakez, Surman (White 60). Sub: Michael Poke.

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