At the risk of sounding melodramatic, this setback represented something of a catastrophe for struggling Ipswich Town.

Unable to discover any fluidity or rhythm, let alone create any significant chances, they slumped to their second straight home defeat against deserved winners Southampton.

This was as big a blow as the 6-0 humbling by Liverpool three weeks ago.

Burley rang the changes from the side left red-faced by Liverpool.

Martijn Reuser, Finidi George playing for the first time since New Year's Day because of his exploits for Nigeria at the African Nations Cup and Marcus Stewart replaced Jamie Clapham, Jermaine Wright and Alun Armstrong.

Two enforced changes saw Titus Bramble in for the suspended John McGreal, while Jim Magilton replaced the injured Sixto Peralta.

But it was Southampton enjoying their own change of fortune since the appointment of boss Gordon Strachan who took the lead through Rory Delap.

The midfielder who last season scored the winner for Derby at Portman Road was teed up by Matt Oakley before rifling home a free-kick from 20-yards, with the help of a deflection off Stewart. It was his first goal for the Saints.

Shaken into action, Ipswich switched to three at the back with Reuser and Chris Makin making way for Clapham and Wright.

But within five minutes of the double switch, Brett Ormerod opened his Saints' goal account.

Oakley was again the provider, this time with a neat through ball, and the former Blackpool striker raced clear before steering a low shot past Marshall.

Town gave themselves hope when Mark Venus' corner was cleared as far as Matt Holland.

His volley from the edge of the area was deflected into the path of George, who stabbed home from close-range.

Paul Williams thought he had stopped the ball trickling over the line but the assistant referee disagreed and the defender was booked for his protests.

With the home fans furiously urging their strugglers on, Southampton burst forward again and sealed the points through Chris Marsden.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002