Saints and Blues have made a poor start to the season and were desperate to bank all three points - but the home side will be slightly happier with the result as it at least moved them off bottom spot in the Premiership, with Blackburn taking their place due to goal difference.

Saints are still chasing their first win under coach Steve Wigley, whose cause has not been helped by a savage injury list, which meant he had to pick a forward line of winger Fabrice Fernandes and Dexter Blackstock.

Blackstock had the first clear-cut chance of the game, though, sending a looping header from Rory Delap's long throw-in over a scrambling Maik Taylor and on to the crossbar.

The visitors largely dominated possession and hit back on 14 minutes when Emile Heskey neatly set up Dwight Yorke, who flashed a low shot inches wide of the upright.

But the best chance came on 43 minutes when Fernandes released Mikael Nilsson, who coolly rounded Taylor but curled a shot into the sidenetting with the goal at his mercy.

There was a little more drama after the interval, where both managers will no doubt have had some harsh words for their players.

David Dunn's low drive was spilled by Antti Niemi on 47 minutes but Yorke was slow to react and missed a chance, while Delap's 49th-minute strike was easy for keeper Taylor.

Mario Melchiot and Darren Anderton then missed the target from good opportunities, while Blackstock's header on 73 minutes was clawed away by Taylor.

Anderton was denied by a fine Niemi save on 76 minutes and the game then petered out.

BluenosesOnline.Com Man Of The Match:
Mario Melchiot was the only attacking threat we had today. He's a full back, It says it all really!