Starting line-up
Davis - 9: Eye-catching performance from Kelvin Davis who baled out his defence with a string of athletic saves. After a difficult start to his Saints career, he finally looked the Championship keeper of the year he once was. The chant of 'Super Kelvin Davis' said it all.
Wright - 6: The versatile Wright covered right and then left back, when Skacel was forced off with a knee injury. A real team performance with some neat passing, but needs to offer more.
Powell - 5: Largely responsible for the defensive jitters, an out of touch Darren Powell failed to assert himself against a muscular Stoke attack. It later emerged that he had played through injury for much of the game, so let's hope he can get back to his aggressive best.
Thomas - 7: Aggressive, committed display from Thomas who matched Stoke's physical approach with a very un-Saints-like performance full of menace. Turned far too easily for Fuller's opener, but did his best to organise the at times chaotic defence around him.
Skacel - 8: Forced off by injury at half time, this was a performance that left George Burley purring. He interchanged beautifully with Surman on the left and showed the quality on the ball that made Burley so determined in his pursuit of the player. A knee injury is a concern with Vignal not even in the squad and Wright no left back.
Dyer - 8: So nearly a five star performance from Nathan who was tenacious in defence and a livewire in attack, giving the lumbering Stoke defenders a torrid time. Steadily growing in confidence, he might have scored with a good turn and shot to the near post. Still needs to improve his final ball, but there were encouraging signs that he is ready to make the breakthrough.
Safri - 7: Showed his quality on the ball in the acres of space the Stoke midfield allowed him, although he needed more movement in front of him to make the most of his undoubted playmaking skills. Willed on by the crowd to shoot from range at every opportunity, he so nearly fine-tuned his radar with the Stoke keeper saving at full stretch.
Viafara - 6: A mixed bag from crowd favourite Viafara with a composed finish for his goal, some meaty tackles, but consistently wayward distribution to concede cheap possession. Saints needed his height and strength against the massive Stoke side.
Surman - 9: Two moments of real quality turned the game for Saints, with a glorious strike from distance and a perfect cross for Rasiak's second. A yard extra pace and we'd be fending off £5m bids from the Premiership vultures! His extended contract is looking to be the best piece of business of the summer.
Rasiak - 7: After a poor first half, when he was bullied out of the game and barely won a header, Gregorz did what he does best and finished his chance expertly. His celebration showed just how much it meant to him, as he lay face down on the turf and savoured the moment. The arch goal poacher strikes again!
Wright-Phillips - 6: Combined well with fellow youngsters Dyer and Surman, to run rings around the Stoke defenders when the ball was on the ground, although the less said about anything above ground the better. Guilty of rushing his chances when good skill on the ball opened up opportunities on goal. I hate to say it, but we missed Jones' physical presence alongside Rasiak.
Substitutes
Ostlund - 5: A cross into row Z wasn't the best of starts, followed by some inconsistent distribution and erratic defending. He improved as the half went on and was as committed as ever.
Saganowski - 6: Nearly scored with his first touch as he threw his body at a cross kept out well by Simonsen. Showed his usual good movement, but looked short of match sharpness. Plenty more to come from Saga.