BOSS Russell Martin attributed "decision-making" as the reason for Southampton's stuttering attack in a 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers. 

The St Mary's side had to wait until the final 10 minutes before they mustered a shot on target against their Ewood Park opponents.

Kyle Walker-Peters had one cleared off the line before Kamaldeen Sulemana saw a one-on-one saved at high speed. 

Those chances followed Adam Armstrong's air shot from close range in the first half, which should have given Saints the lead. 

Speaking after the match, Martin said: "I feel positive about the defensive side of the game and the clean sheet.

Daily Echo: David Brooks set Adam Armstrong up for a certain goal in the first 10 minutesDavid Brooks set Adam Armstrong up for a certain goal in the first 10 minutes (Image: PA)

"We have looked so dangerous going forward recently but conceded too many goals. We have done a lot of work on that side of the game.

"The mentality to defend was good but I was really disappointed with the side we have been so good with, with the creativity.

"We broke the press but were too slow and let them get back. We lacked purpose until the last half hour, when the game looked more like it should.

"We didn’t create or test the goalkeeper enough for the quality we have, and that is frustrating, but credit to Blackburn for the way they fought."

Martin continued: "It was down to decision-making, we had two brilliant chances in the first half.

"It’s a lack of decision-making in the last bit and we didn’t have the willingness to give the ball uo in the final third.

"I don’t know why, I will watch it back and we will have a look. We asked them to bring the other side of the game and they did.

"But the balance wasn’t there. If we bring everything we have had with the ball with what we had against the ball today, we will have a powerful end to the season." 

The result means Saints have gone three matches without victory since the return from the international break.

They drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough last weekend before losing 3-2 at promotion rivals Ipswich Town on Easter Monday. 

Martin said: "Some of the Blackburn staff could not believe we only got one points from our last two games, rather than six.

"We don't focus on anyone else's results. I hadn't seen any of the other results, I didn't know that Leeds had lost. 

"We will focus on ourselves, I was pleased with the performance on Monday and pleased with different things today. 

"We have come away from home and dominated but just have not done enough with the ball."