BATTLING for a European place on two fronts this late in the season is an unusual experience for Saints. It's one they want to repeat regularly, but they're finding it hard work.

For the opening half an hour against Everton on Saturday they looked jaded and tired, whereas the Toffees were very impressive.

With their cup commitments Saints had played a massive match against Norwich the week before, while Everton kicked their heels and took it easy.

Gordon Strachan has his side supremely fit and they have the spirit never to give up, but it's looking very tough work at the moment.

People will say that these footballers are paid thousands of pounds a week so to expect them to be able to play twice in a week when required is not too much to ask.

They may be right in some respects but it would appear the players are feeling the strain.

It's not just a physical strain but also mental. With the pressure building and the thought of an FA Cup quarter-final in the back of the mind it's a stressful time.

Saints recovered from their off-colour start at Goodison Park this weekend to take the lead and come within a whisker of taking something from the game.

But in the end, Everton's freshness may have just told.

Saints cannot, and Strachan will not allow them to, concentrate solely on the cup. They are still in the middle of the Premiership table and another good run will fire them right up to the higher echelons again.

But it is hard for the players. Everybody's now talking about the cup as the best chance of glory and, after this defeat, the most likely route into Europe.

One of the players that has looked most tired is James Beattie.

It's hardly surprising when you take into account he's the only player to have figured in every game and also consider the pressure on his shoulders.

Without his goals Saints would not be in the position they are in and it's vital he keeps scoring if their season is to finish on a high. That's a lot of weight for one man to carry.

Fortunately for Saints, Beattie's character is as strong as they come and he wont ask for a rest, even if it might do him good.

It was he, as normal, who gave Saints the lead on Saturday.

Brett Ormerod chested the ball back to Fabrice Fernandes who hooked it on to Beattie, played onside by Alessandro Pistone.

The Saints striker opted to lob Richard Wright and, although the Everton 'keeper got a hand to it, he couldn't stop Beattie registering his 18th goal of a wonderful season.

Up until that point Saints had conceded possession too often and were looking second best. David Prutton had a solid debut but Saints missed Chris Marsden, out through illness, and Wayne Bridge on the left.

But, just after the 30 minute mark, Saints sprang into life and could have scored again if only they could have found an extra bit of quality in the final third when they broke.

The second half was a different affair, though, and when Everton introduced Kevin Campbell and Wayne Rooney playing very direct and with three up front, Saints were hanging on, save for a good effort from Beattie.

Antti Niemi was on superb form to produce a whole host of excellent tip overs, diving stops and reaction saves but, after Tomasz Radzinski had hit the post, he found his shooting boots and fired Everton to victory.

It was Rooney's cross from the left on 82 minutes that set up his first, a free header from close range.

The winner came deep into injury time when he was given far too much time and space in the Saints area and unleashed a devastating shot which flew into the top corner of the net.

The Saints team probably just need to take a deep breath, take stock of what they have achieved and what they can achieve and and ready themselves for one final push.

It's hard work, but ultimately it will be worth it.