Alun Armstrong made an immediate and dramatic start to his Portman Road career, scoring two as Town ran out winners after falling behind.

Town lined up as Tuesday, but with Fabian Wilnis missing through suspension with Gary Croft ably taking his place.

The afternoon started badly when the visitors went ahead after just three minutes. A break down the left from Pahars saw a cross into the box where James Beattie rose above Town's defenders to head home. A well-taken goal, but Town had more than enough opportunity to clear the ball and Beattie really shouldn't have been allowed to get his header in.

The rest of the half became what many Town fans had feared - a replay of the FA Cup tie between the sides from last January. The Saints defended in depth and frustrated Town while making some sharp and effective breaks. Town were able to pass the ball around at will in all but the final third where there was a red and white striped wall. Some mentioned the words 'Derby County' referring to the similarlities between the previous home game and this.

The Blues weren't getting crosses in well and Beattie again went close for Southampton. Richard Wright made a sharp save as he turned a Tessem shot on to the post.

Town won a few corners but still created little of consequence. George Burley felt that things needed changing and at half-time he did. Off went Jermaine Wright, not up to his usual standard and on came Alun Armstrong for his home debut. He joined Marcus Stewart up front while James Scowcroft dropped back into midfield.

Immediately this had an effect. In the 58th minute Jamie Clapham was fouled down the left and Jim Magilton stepped up to take the freekick. He whipped a low cross in which was missed by the Southampton defence and Marcus Stewart, but not by James Scowcroft who whacked it past Jomes from about two yards. A bad bit of defending from the up 'til then solid Southampton defence, but an opportunity seized on well by a player who needs to get a few more goals than he has so far this season.

Town went ahead just three minutes later. A corner from the left was met by Armstrong with his head on the far post about ten yards out. The ball went goalwards, but was intercepted by a defender. However, the ball continued on over the line before being hooked out. Marcus Stewart made sure of the goal, but referee Knight was already pointing to the centre circle.

Town were hugely dominant in this phase of the game and could have gone even further ahead. Armstrong, already a Portman Road hero, ran on in on Paul Jones in the Southampton goal. With the ball a yard or so outside the area the 'keeper fluffed his kick and Armstrong was past him. However, the angle was too narrow for the striker and he shot over. Marcus Stewart would probably have had one of his wanders in the penalty area before slipping home from an inch out.

Southampton gradually got more involved as Town's form dropped off from the early part of the half. There were still moments of excellence from the Blues, but Pahars was being allowed to run at the defence too much. Glenn Hoddle was throwing on attacking players, on came Kachloul and Rosler, but Town were holding out at the back.

Southampton's best opportunity came when a cross came in from the left and Roseler, just a few yards out, headed goalward. Richard Wright pulled off one of his wondersaves and the ball rebounded to a Town player.

Town finally put the game beyond doubt when Jim Magilton received the ball inside the Southampton penalty area. The former Saint ran round the outside of the defender and continued his run along the goal-line on the left. He accurately slipped the ball back to Armstrong who showed his predatory instincts once more and Jones had no chance. Portman Road's new hero enjoyed the celebrations as fans reflected on what seems another masterly piece of George Burley transfer action.

The whistle went shortly afterwards to the usual reception. Another win and still in third in the League. This time a victory after an excellent fightback from Town and an excellent tactical change at half-time. Subsequent to this Armstrong and Scowcroft were probably Town's best attacking players on the afternoon.

George Burley perhaps now has a nice selection problem ahead of next week. A dramatic home debut from Armstrong and another excellent midfield performance from Scowcroft might suggest that Town should start like this at Old Trafford. However, Jermaine Wright has had a great season and there may still be concerns over Armstrong's fitness.

Roll on Man United!

Photo: Action Images

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