SAINTS have lacked a great many things so far this season but never heart and pride. Last night they did.

"We were a disgrace," said Saints midfielder Rory Delap. He was right.

Forget the result - how many Saints lost by doesn't matter to the fans who made the journey to Watford to support their team.

It was the way in which they lost.

Steve Wigley has said in recent days he has been able to take heart in the fact his side have not capitulated in any game. Now they have.

The fans and indeed this newspaper have stuck by Saints despite them often struggling against some weak opposition so far this season.

If you have injuries or your players aren't quite at their best, then there's little you can do about it.

As long as the players that do play display passion and pride for the club, then the city will back them.

Sadly, last night, that was lacking and that was far more damning than just crashing out of the cup to lower league opposition.

It even got to the point of total humiliation with both the Watford and the Saints fans laughing and ridiculing the Saints players.

When Saints did eventually score, the Watford fans cheered.

That must hurt.

Saints fans will be hoping so, anyway. It's a pretty flimsy reason to motivate someone but, if that's what it takes to get the players up for the Portsmouth game on Saturday, then so be it.

Saturday's game is massive.

Steve Wigley is already having to cling on to his job, even though he has only been in charge for 13 games.

The players have often spoken of their admiration for him and their desire to perform for him - well, they didn't show much resolve to help out their under fire boss last night.

Watford deserved to win the game comfortably. If anything, the scoreline slightly flattered Saints.

They were edgy and shaky in defence, again looking vulnerable to set-pieces and basic high balls, the midfield was totally outplayed and the attack mainly toothless.

At least Delap and Wigley made no attempt to hide how bad it was - but then, how could they?

This was one of the worst Saints performances in recent memory.

The only positive to take into this weekend is that it can't be any worse. It simply cannot be worse.

Things started badly for Saints as they looked rocky while Watford attacked.

The Hornets deservedly took the lead six minutes before half-time when the most basic of defensive errors allowed Bruce Dyer a free header from a set-piece.

Everybody assumed that, after half-time, Saints would come out fired up and take the game to Watford.

Whatever Wigley said at half-time didn't have that effect.

Saints came out even more limp and lifeless than in the first half.

They fell 2-0 behind on 51 minutes when James Chambers converted from a corner, it was 3-0 after 62 minutes when Chambers side-footed home after more poor defending and the fourth went in on 66 when a basic high ball found Heidar Helguson un-marked and he steered a lovely shot past Alan Blayney.

By now, the Saints fans had decided that, after giving Rupert Lowe some abuse, they had to laugh. And they did - at their own team.

The introduction of Dexter Blackstock stirred some life into Saints and he pulled one back with six minutes left.

But, even then, Saints managed to concede almost immediately with Hameur Bouazza firing home from inside the area.

Brett Ormerod did head home a late consolation but, when final whistle went shortly after, the humiliation was complete.

To their credit, five Saints players made the effort of applauding the fans. Shame the others didn't bother.

Quite how Saints pick themselves up for Saturday remains to be seen.

Let's hope they can take the stinging criticism they deserve to get for this performance and put it to some use.

Stick the bad headlines on the dressing-room wall, take the insults of the fans personally - do whatever it takes.

Saturday has to be the grittiest, strongest and most passionate display many of the players have ever put on for this club.

They can't forget this result. It will live with them for years.

What they can do is move on.

Losing the fans is the start of a very slippery slope. Saints aren't hurtling down just yet but lose on Saturday and they might start.

Now it takes courage, bravery and pride not to be afraid.