Southampton (2) 4 Fulham (2) 2
James Beattie, whose season began with a drink-drive offence outside a kebab shop, scored his first hat-trick as Southampton recovered from a two-goal deficit to extend their unbeaten record at St Mary's stadium.
Beattie had driven his car about 20 yards from a nightclub to the shop and was banned for 30 months, given 100 hours' community service and fined two weeks' salary by the club.
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Fulham French International striker Steve Marlet
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But the sinning saint is now making the headlines for all the right reasons. Last Monday he slotted home the penalty that secured victory at Aston Villa and yesterday his hat-trick plus one goal from Brett Ormerod saw Southampton's points tally reach 16.
Beattie said: "It was one minute of madness. I was stupid. I know what I did was wrong and I'll never do anything like it again. I thought I was mentally strong and that what happened would not affect me that much, but it did."
Beattie took full advantage of criminal defending by Fulham and manager Gordon Strachan said: "This was the response his team-mates were looking for. James is a barometer for our character and stamina level."
Last season Beattie scored five goals in five matches and the previous year enjoyed a run of 10 goals in 10 games. "He has these goal sprees and goes on these daft binges," said Strachan in perhaps not the most tactful of summings-up.
Fulham had started brightly yet finished like a team bereft of leadership, inspiration and organisation. In fact, they were a shambles.
Jean Tigana, the Fulham manager, had made nine changes over two games and the Londoners played like a team of strangers. The squad is clearly struggling with the demands of a heavy fixture list - this was their 21st game of the season.
The chances of a Southampton victory, let alone by two goals, seemed unlikely as Lee Clark and Steed Malbranque gave the visitors an early advantage.
In the 15th minute, Clark, making his first start since Boxing Day and celebrating his 30th birthday, beat Antti Niemi with a 25-yard shot helped by a deflection from Michael Svensson.
Nine minutes later three Saints players failed to react, leaving Malbranque unchallenged as he side-footed the ball home from close range.
The comeback began in the 26th minute when Alain Goma needlessly handled from Ormerod and Beattie's second successful penalty in a week brought Southampton back into the game.
Four minutes before the interval Fulham's defenders, notably Zat Knight, were guilty of ball-watching when Beattie drifted to the far post to head Fabrice Fernandes' right-wing cross past Edwin van der Sar.
Beattie's hat-trick was completed in the 54th minute when he rose to meet Anders Svensson's free-kick.
Match Stats |
Soton |
Fulham |
Goal attempts |
14 |
7 |
On Target |
7 |
3 |
Fouls |
12 |
19 |
Corners |
3 |
5 |
Offsides |
4 |
2 |
Yellows |
1 |
2 |
Reds |
0 |
0 |
source: www.sportinglife.com |
Fulham assistant manager Christian Damiano was far from happy with his team's defending. He said: "We had a big loss in the air and in midfield. It is a matter of concentration, but we did not disturb their strikers or fight for the ball."
Ormerod made it 4-2 in the 72nd minute when, after a strong run by Chris Marsden, he slotted the ball home.
While Beattie was inevitably the centre of attention yesterday, Wayne Bridge completed his 100th consecutive 90-minute Premiership game despite a knock to his knee in the sixth minute.
"Bridge was excellent," said Strachan, whose side are unbeaten at home since April. "He showed mental strength to play with the injury. At half-time I kept him away from the medics because they'll have you off for a sniffle."
Southampton:
Niemi, Bridge, Michael Svensson, Lundekvam, Dodd, Marsden, Oakley, Anders Svensson, Fernandes, Beattie, Ormerod (Delgado 79).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Telfer, Williams, Tessem.
Booked: Michael Svensson.
Goals: Beattie 27 pen, 42, 53, Ormerod 72.
Fulham:
Van der Sar, Finnan, Goma, Knight (Ouaddou 59), Brevett, Clark, Djetou (Hayles 63), Malbranque, Legwinski, Boa Morte, Marlet.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Melville, Stolcers.
Booked: Boa Morte, Goma.
Goals: Clark 15, Malbranque 25.
Att: 26,188
Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).