ANY manager will tell you that records mean nothing in football, but Saints can afford themselves a little smile as they welcome in 2003.

Still unbeaten at home this season and on the back of seven games without a defeat - records don't come much more impressive.

That's probably put the kiss of death on it now... and just in time for the visit of Glenn Hoddle and Tottenham!

But superstition means nothing to football managers either, so there should be no need to worry.

You certainly need to cast your mind back a fair few years to remember the last time Saints had 32 points at this stage of the season.

If you have people telling you 'just three more wins and Saints are safe', do me a favour - give them a slap.

The mentality of the club has changed, thank goodness.

Although everybody knows anything is possible when you watch Saints, it's time for some new year reflection and it's positive, positive, positive.

After the New Year's Day game against Spurs, Saints will have got through the Christmas calender in terms of league games and, if they have maintained their records, there is every reason to be looking up.

Another thing about football managers is that they won't set targets.

But Saints should now be looking at the table, just two wins off second place, and be thinking there is no reason they should not finish in the top eight - and that gives them a chance of qualifying for Europe.

Chris Marsden, one of the mainstays of the Saints side, is a wily character.

He's not a manager, but he could be. "I'm not going to set a target of a European place," he said. "Being in the top half of the table is a different type of pressure and we need to keep working hard, but we've got a good manager, good facilities and we're looking a half decent team."

It's only right and professional that Marsden is cautious about Saints' prospects, as is every player you speak to.

But you can just tell from the twinkle in their eyes and the small smirk on their faces that they are dreaming of Europe.

If they are going to get winning goals four minutes into injury time, as they did against Sunderland on Saturday, then people may even start calling it fate.

Marsden added: "I don't know whether you can say things have turned round for us but the late goal was very welcome.

"Relegation is not an issue for us this season and I don't think it has been for a while.

"It's not something that happens overnight but is gradual. We've finished tenth and 11th and hope to do better this season."

See, it's in there if you look hard enough!

On Saturday, all the goals came in the final 17 minutes (plus injury time!).

Marsden just got to Michael Svensson's flicked header to hook it across goal where James Beattie headed under the body of Jurgen Macho to give Saints the lead on 73 minutes.

It took Beattie's tally to 12 for the season but was more significant as he hadn't scored for three games which meant his scoring burst looks less and less like a flash in the pan.

Saints held on to their advantage for only four minutes, though.

Gavin McCann's corner found the head of substitute Tore Andre Flo and he in turn found the back of the net.

But four minutes and three seconds into the four minutes of injury time, Jo Tessem headed home Rory Delap's long throw-in.

Tessem, who had missed a glorious chance along with Beattie on 80 minutes, saw his header blocked on the line but it had already crossed the line and the goal was given.

Earlier in the game Beattie had a goal disallowed by referee Mike Riley, who had little control of the game in the first half.

He also let Kevin Kilbane escape without a booking for two pretty awful challenges which sparked one of the moments of the match - a flare-up between the assistant managers.

Dennis Rofe and Garry Pendrey v Steve Cotterill.

It was certainly an intriguing contest and perhaps the next TV celebrity boxing match!

On this occasion fourth official Graham Poll and Riley got in between them and it all simmered down.

Saints had the best of the chances throughout the 90-odd minutes and played well against a Sunderland side who strung ten men behind the ball in the first half but were slightly more adventurous in the second period, hitting the post after just 12 seconds.

But Saints' defence was again strong, Rory Delap was exceptional in midfield and the strikers worked hard too.

Happy New Year!