SOMETIMES things happen in life that just make you think something's meant to be.

And when Chris Marsden scores an overhead kick in an FA Cup quarter-final, maybe, just maybe, Saints are destined to lift the famous old trophy this year.

The stage was perfectly set for yesterday's memorable 2-0 win.

As they always do on the big occasions, Saints fans pushed the boat out and ensured their team were backed to the hilt.

St Mary's was a sea of red and white, a cauldron of noise and the players responded.

This was one of the grittiest performances Saints have produced all season and if ever there was one man you wanted to to take the glory then it was Marsden.

He will happily try and deflect the attention off of himself but the man has been supreme for Saints during this campaign.

Yesterday was no exception and to score from an overhead kick! Before the game I would have wagered that if Marsden would have tried one he'd have missed the rest of the season through injury.

But deep down perhaps Marsden has some Brazilian blood coursing through his veins - I'm going to start calling him Marsaldo.

Joking aside, his attitude and work rate sum up everything that is good about Saints and it's great to see him getting the attention he deserves.

But then an FA Cup semi-final appearance has been well earned by everybody at the club - not just the players but the fantastic fans that have made this city buzz all week.

The first half of the game was a cagey affair which Wolves probably just about shaded.

Saints seemed in control for much of it but Wolves just seemed that little more likely.

Mark Kennedy, Shaun Newton and Colin Cameron all tested Antti Niemi while Marsden's looping far post header was the nearest Saints came.

But in the second half Saints got into gear and they were too good for Wolves.

Six minutes into the second period James Beattie should have given Saints the lead when he had a free header at the far post five yards from goal but put his effort over.

But five minutes later Marsden did find the net.

Anders Svensson's corner was met at the near post by the head of Michael Svensson and the ball fell to Marsden whose left-footed hook, back over his head seemed reasonably innocuous.

But Beattie was making a nuisance of himself in front of Matt Murray, leaving the Wolves keeper unsighted and unable to stop the shot.

If you needed proof that fate was playing a part then bear in mind this was Saints' first goal from a corner all season - one in about 350!

Saints had strong appeals for a penalty waved away some 15 minutes later when Brett Ormerod went down under the challenge of Joleon Lescott.

The game and semi-final spot was sealed nine minutes from time when substitute Jo Tessem crossed low from the right wing and Beattie again got in the way - this time of Paul Butler - who saw the ball hit his left leg and roll into his own net.

Saints were pretty convincing from back to front with everybody playing their part in making this a day to remember.

FA Cup history is there to be written. If it comes down to passion then Saints - Marsden, Strachan, fans and all - will deservedly win it.

Just call it fate.