Folly Gets Sturrock Praise

Last updated : 27 March 2004 By Mad Reporter

Delap scored the all-important winner but it was debut making midfielder Yoann Folly that the Saints boss singled out for special praise after the game.

"Rory had the pressure on him but I am pleased he stepped up and showed what he can do because we have been lacking goals from midfield.

"Folly was incredible. He is only 19 but he produced a great performance and did exactly the job I have been wanting done in midfield since I arrived. He was outstanding.

"I thought we came to the show today. Our attitude, commitment and will to win were evident from the start and although the game was too open for my liking, the players responded in just the right way after the game at Portsmouth."

The only incident to spoil Sturrock's day came in the 75th minute when Kevin Phillips, who had been in fine form, was replaced.

The Saints striker rejected the offer of a tracksuit top and there was some finger-wagging from the manager as Phillips stormed off.

But Sturrock added: "It is a moment of passion and I love it. That sort of thing is normal in football because it is an emotional game.

"It is a past deed as far as I am concerned and we will talk about it over a few beers at some stage but overall I was looking for solidity and rhythm and I got both."