Southampton 2 v Charlton Athletic 1

First, the bad news. We lost predictably again for the third match in succession. A large number of changes did nothing to instill determination or ambition as our 4-5-1 were second best across the park until Saints had their opener after 33 minutes. Again, predictably, we conceded a poor second just after the hour when Ikeme was slow to get down to a long range effort from Lambert.

Then some good news. With Southampton taking their foot off the pedal, we did at least play most of the rest of the game in their half, even if it was without causing them any real trouble until added time when Youga forced a good save from the Saints keeper and Leon McKenzie reacted first to the following cross from Luke Holden to score from close range. Some hope for a more convincing performance on Saturday.

Unless Parky has done a deal with Randolph and justified playing Ikeme in this game, so he can start on Saturday, Randolph must be finished at the Valley. There is simply no other explanation for him being dropped after his excellent display at Northwich. Ikeme was flapping early on as Southampton pumped balls into the box. He was rooted on his line as they scored from a corner delivered across the six yard line and I believe Elliot, and probably Randolph, would have stopped Lambert's shot which beat him for the second.

I thought the back four of Basey, Llera, Dailly and Youga did well enough tonight to have got us a result if the midfield had put in a shift. I was pleased to see Llera again although I am sure Sodje will start in his place on Saturday with some justification. The Basey-Youga full back combination looks more solid to me than anything with Omozusi.

The midfield was a mess this evening and played too deep. Wagstaff looked naive on the right, Sam half-interested on the left, Spring and Shelvey largely anonymous in the centre in the first half, which left Semedo struggling to match Southampton on his own.

Wayne Rooney would struggle playing on his own upfront for us, so David Mooney deserves a pat on the back for keeping going. He looked far better once joined by Burton and supported from midfield towards the end.

The first change after the break saw Luke Holden finally get on but he came on as a straight swap for Lloyd Sam which seemed wrong to me. It proved so ten minutes later as Burton and McKenzie were introduced for Wagstaff and Spring. Burton went upfront which left McKenzie looking out-of-position on the left wing. No big deal I guess given the nature of individual performances in recent matches. As I have said, we did at least get to play in their half for much of the last twenty minutes as we pushed for a goal. Typically, it came too late, but the combination of two players we've yet to really see this season was encouraging.

MK Dons will be without three key players on Saturday and we need a win if we are to turn the corner and maintain our push in the league. The two cup defeats this week have hurt but the pain will soon be forgotten if we can get a couple of league wins under our belt and renew our challenge.

I hope our fans show some patience on Saturday and get behind the side, if only from the off. The manic depressives and "told-you-so" brigade are out in force and we can ill-afford to feed the fire in terms of team confidence. There is a time for turning and it isn't when you are still second in the league irrespective of current form.