Southampton 2 Charlton 1

Despite having no interest in the Paint Pot, I ended up watching this one on Sky. The performance was woeful, particularly in the first half, and we didn't deserve to score, although it was pleasing that we did. I suspect that the answer to our striker issue, which will have to be resolved in January, if not before, will require Shelvey to be sold. I can't see us raising sufficient funds through the disposal of Dickson and hopefully McLeod, to make it happen any other way.

The team is low on confidence, and on a poor run. I don't see that changing for the visit of Franchise FC, and fully expect to be sitting fourth come the final whistle on Saturday. I only hope the crowd get behind the team, and don't get on their collective backs, but patience is running low, and Parkinson, unfortunately, seems unable to motivate a team in difficulties, which was always my main concern about him earlier in the season. Expectation was rampant off the back of a fine start to the season, but that start, for many, now appears to be the blip, rather than what is happening now. Fingers crossed that they are wrong.

I am now off to Venice for five days to recharge the batteries, so will miss the game on Saturday. With three major players missing for them, who knows, maybe we could get something from that game, but on the evidence of the last month, I just don't see it happening. As ever, I will be delighted to be proved wrong.