SATURDAY gave a range of emotions in a relatively short space of time.

A bright start instilled hope and expectation in the crowd and my soul was lifted with thoughts of a comfortable victory.

Sadly, between the 20th and 60th minutes, I thought Saints were pretty woeful - in fact I struggle to remember a single save Martin, the MK Dons' keeper had to make.

At 2-0 down and with a display which seemed devoid of any attacking ideas other than hopeful crosses, eyes wistfully turned to the sky, as many of us wondered why Saints endeavour to let slip fantastic opportunities gifted by others.

I'm not always his biggest fan, but to give Adkins his due, the substitutions he made changed the game - not least the introduction of Messrs Forte and Stephens.

Forte provided much needed chaos - in fact it seemed like he was the striker and Lambert was suddenly the winger for five expected minutes that clawed Saints back into the game in spectacular fashion.

It's been a very long time since I saw a five yard tap in celebrated as much as that at St. Mary's.

From that point on, there was no question about the result - Saints would win.

The confidence that had mysteriously been absent during the middle of the match returned with a flourish and every surge forward looked dangerous and too much for Milton Keynes to handle.

When the confidence ebbed low, the energy levels in both the team and the crowd followed.

Hopefully this turn around will now spur the team on - no more results like Walsall or Tranmere - just consistent examples of why the team is worthy of automatic promotion.

There was a moment on Saturday when I feared we had begun the epic marathon of games that is April in the worst way possible - and the worst case implications did not bear thinking about.

Now however, we have a platform to finally put this division to the sword and look to the Championship.