Irish Daily Mirror

ALL SAINTS... BUT IT’S NO BED OF ROSES

- BY DAVE CRAVEN

DOUBLE centurion Jan Bednarek helped blast Southampto­n back into the top two but claimed: “We’re not happy.”

The Poland centre-half (above) celebrated his 200th club appearance with a fourth-minute header as Saints stretched their unbeaten run to 23 games.

It is a reward for the sheer consistenc­y of Russell Martin’s side as they bid for an immediate Premier League return.

Bednarek said: “I was surprised I had so much time in the opposition box. But luckily I had time to get it in the net and I’m happy to help the team. We controlled the game really well. We were strong and threatened the opposition goal all the time.

“But it was good that inside the dressing room we were not happy. We celebrate the win but we want more. We want to be in the top two at the end of the season.”

Although leaders Leicester are 11 points in front, just two points separate Saints, Leeds and Ipswich, with Leicester and Leeds having played an extra game.

Southampto­n’s top scorer Adam Armstrong scored a brilliantl­y worked second goal in the 38th minute.

And silky Saints threatened to batter their hosts, who were lucky that Swedish keeper Viktor Johansson made a series of fine saves to limit the damage.

The Millers, now a massive 12 points adrift of safety, have only won three times in the Championsh­ip all season.

In a bid to improve matchday atmosphere, the South Yorkshire outfit gave fans the chance to vote for a new club anthem.

Cliff Richard’s Bachelor Boy was the winner and it did get the crowd pumped – until Bednarek quickly deflated them.

Boss Leam Richardson insists his side will not give up the fight.

He said: “You either meet the challenge head on or back off. I’d rather go for it. If you’re going to lose, lose being the best version of yourself. Southampto­n have fantastic internatio­nal players but you have to compete, like we did second half, for the full game.”

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