Davis - 8: Kelvin has his critics, but deserves credit when he answers them, as he did today with two fantastic reflex saves which preserved our fragile lead. Can even be excused a moment of indecision when he failed to come for a loose ball on the six yard box.
Makin - 5: A rusty display from the veteran on his return to the starting line-up. Too often wasteful in possession, he provided little going forward, but did improve in the second half, defending solidly. Has looked better at left back, but not much chance of a runout there, thanks to a certain teen prodigy.
Lundekvam - 6: A tough afternoon's work for Claus against man mountain Alan Lee who won their aerial dual. Guilty of a couple of moments of indecision that led to openings for Ipswich.
Baird - 8: Made interception after interception and battled manfully against the much bigger Lee. Typical of his play, when shrugged to the ground by Lee, he replied with a crunching slide tackle.
Bale - 8: It's easy to forget just how good this 17 year old is, even on a day when he wasn't quite at his imperious best. Setup the winner for Saganowski with a perfect free kick, full of pace and accuracy. Cut through the Ipswich defence like a knife through butter - is there a better sight for a Saints fan than Gareth in full flow? Hampered by a knock in the second half, he battled through the pain barrier with real credit.
Belmadi - 7: On his return to the starting line-up, he was at the heart of most of Saints' most incisive moves, providing much needed quality in our below-par midfield. Earned the free kick that led to the goal with a wonderful turn. Understandably faded in the second half, but had already demonstrated why Burley rates him so highly. Welcome back, Djamel.
Wright - 6: After some good performances of late, he struggled to get hold of the game with Ipswich frequently passing around him in midfield. Doesn't seem as influencial without Pele's quality on the ball alongside him to work those short passing movements.
Viafara - 6: Pure Viafara, when we saw the best and the worst side of his all-action game. Unsure in possession, he managed to give the ball away three times in one scrappy move, yet won it back twice through his determination and athleticism. Powered his way towards the Ipswich goal well on a couple of occasions, only to shoot well over when well placed.
Surman - 6: Neat in possession and interchanged well with Gareth Bale, but did much of his best work outside of the danger zone on his restoration to the left of midfield. Precious few sights of goal.
Saganowski - 7: A clinical header in the first minute won the game for Saints by a man who is surprisingly good in the air given his size. Great movement up front created opportunities for strike partner Kenwyne Jones. Faded in the second half and was substituted, coming off to a great reception from the St. Mary's faithful.
Jones - 7: Another powerful display from Kenwyne, who had Saints two best chances when his strength put him clean through on goal. One he scuffed and the other he caught too well, whacking a piledriver of a shot against the post, rebounding a country mile. If only he could be more clinical in front of goal, he would just about have the lot as a Championship striker.
Substitutes
Pele - 6: Had little chance to make an impression in central midfield, but didn't look 100% fit after injury niggles restricted him to the bench again.
Wright-Phillips - 5: A frustrating cameo for the popular youngster who barely had a touch of the ball. Will be hoping for more of a runout in future games. His counter attacking skills weren't helped by Ipswich sitting deep even when losing.