IT SAINT HALF HOT

Martin chills out as Hawthorns tie fails to come to the boil

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THE HEAT will be on for the second leg at St Mary's - but Russell Martin hopes it isn't so.

A sweltering, sticky afternoon in the West Midlands ended with honours even after a cagey affair.

But Saints midfielder Flynn Downes complained afterwards he could "hardly breathe" for the first half hour - and his boss is hoping for a cooler night in the decider this Friday.

Martin said: "I don't think you can underestimate the effect of the heat - it was hot out there, when you have tension, your legs feel heavy and the sun's out.

"When both sets of players came over for the drinks break, they were feeling it.

"I was sweating just watching it on the sidelines. But I don't recall too many semifinals or finals that aren't played in that. I played in one like it.