Southampton extended their unbeaten Championship record to 21 matches at Rotherham United on Saturday, and Russell Martin recalled a promotion joke he made prior to the game.
At the Southampton breakfast table, jokes were told about Leeds United, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and the great Championship season that is developing. Russell Martin helped the Saints extend their unbeaten streak, which began against the Whites in September, to 21 games at Rotherham United yesterday.
Southampton moved into second place with three points as Ipswich lost to Preston North End. Martin’s team was fourth heading into the encounter at New York Stadium, following United’s victory over Bristol City on Friday night, despite their impressive 20-game winning streak.
With about two-thirds of the season completed, four clubs are still averaging at least two points each game. That’s an average that usually results in automatic promotion, but two of the top four are guaranteed to miss out and enter the play-offs.
Martin told the Southern Daily Echo following Saturday’s victory: “We had a joke about it this morning at the breakfast table, that we were 20 games unbeaten and fourth in the table.” It demonstrates the rivalry this year; the level has been exceptional.
“Four teams have done incredible feats never seen before in the Championship. It’s fantastic to be a part of, and you can either see it as an opportunity or something to avoid, but the lads are going for it.”
The Saints are presently one point ahead of Leeds, but they have a game in hand, which could increase the lead to four points. They will still be visiting King Power Stadium, Elland Road, and Portman Road this season.
