Saints 1 Ipswich Town 1

His squad selection was wonderfully candid, banishing any remaining sign of complacency at St Mary's before a ball was kicked against Ipswich Town.

The sight of Cedric Baseya on the substitutes' bench, and of Mario Licka in the starting line up for the first time in more than a year, confirmed that names and reputations will count for nothing under Pearson.

With Bradley Wright-Phillips dropped and Jason Euell sat on an otherwise youthful Saints bench, the new manager's message was as clear as could be.

Screaming tactics above the noise of the crowd - St Mary's biggest for four months - prevented him from discussing his decision to call-up Baseya, a 20-year-old French striker in the Paulo Wanchope-mould.

But actions speak louder than words. Just ask Wright-Phillips.

Baseya was handed his Saints debut in injury-time, but Licka fully justified his recall.

Having been signed by George Burley, it is hard to understand why the Czech was ignored for so long.

He was seemingly made a scapegoat for the Carling Cup exit at Peterborough in August, his last Saints start, but so far he is the player to have benefited most from Pearson's arrival.

If Andrew Surman and Ian Pearce had not been forced to drop out through injury on the eve of the game, Licka would probably still be waiting for his first Championship start since January 2007.

But his time has appeared to have arrived.

The 25-year-old's impressive performances on the right of midfield for Stewart Henderson's reserve side this year have already been noted by Pearson, as have his efforts in training.

The message from Pearson is clear: Ability allied with hard work and a mature, positive attitude will be rewarded.

It seemed as though both sides were still digesting Pearson's team selection during the first half, such was the lack of incident.

But it was Licka's cross from his left-flank berth that created the best chance of the opening period.

As Marek Saganowski attempted to connect, the Pole appeared to be brought down by left-back Dan Harding on the edge of the sixyard box.

An animated Pearson protested from the edge of his technical area.

The sight of the new manager shouting himself hoarse was as encouraging as Saints' second-half performance.

An injection of passion is just what was needed after six months of mid-table mediocrity.

Now a dose of lozenges are required for Pearson's throat, but at least he succeeded in transmitting his message to his players at half-time.

The second half was always going to be an improvement on a woeful first during which neither keeper was properly tested.

Pearson's half-time rallying call had the desired effect and the supporters responded.

Their initial scepticism has been replaced by a desire to view Pearson's arrival as one of Saints' shrewder managerial appointments.

After Kelvin Davis had saved well from David Norris at the beginning of the second half, Stern John's 14th Saints goal of the season prompted them to really play their part.

The Trinidadian's 51st-minute strike was worthy of the celebrations.

After controlling Jhon Viafara's right-flank cross on his chest, the veteran striker swept the ball into the top-left corner of Stephen Bywater's goal from just inside the Ipswich penalty area.

As a resolute centre-half during his playing days, the lack of concentration that followed will not have pleased Pearson.

Within five minutes, poor Saints defending allowed David Norris to venture forward unchallenged before cutting on to his left foot and beating Davis at his near post.

But Saints still had chances to clinch their first win in eight matches.

Shortly after replacing Saganowski, David McGoldrick nearly restored Saints' lead by beating his marker to a Viafara cross at the near post.

And, inexplicably, John put a free header wide from one of several high-quality deliveries by Gregory Vignal.

There were chances at both ends during a hectic last ten minutes.

After catching Vignal in possession, Ipswich sub Danny Haynes failed to capitalise and seconds later Bywater tipped a 25-yard Inigo Idiakez drive over the bar.

Idiakez also went close with a deflected free-kick, while Wayne Thomas was grateful to Jermaine Wright after an embarrassing slip let in Alan Lee.

Andrew Davies was denied by a determined Ipswich rearguard after connecting with a loose ball following a Licka corner.

But Ipswich nearly broke Saints hearts in injury time when Lee sent a cross flashing across the face of Davis's six-yard box when only the faintest of touches was needed.

Pearson then decided to rest his vocal chords, presumably with tomorrow's Molineux roar in mind...

Daily Echo Man of the Match: Mario Licka
Full of industry and some quality in his first start for 14 months.