southampton started the 1933–34 season strongly, picking up three wins in their first five games to secure a place in the top three of the second division league table. centre-forward ted drake quickly established himself as the division's top scorer with eight goals in the opening five games, including a hat-trick on the opening day 4–1 win over bradford city. the club's poor form away from home continued throughout the season, with only their strong home record keeping them safe from relegation. the saints quickly slipped into the bottom half of the table, and by the end of 1933 were struggling in 13th place. drake was sent off in a 3–1 loss at grimsby town on 9 december, becoming the first southampton player to be dismissed in the league since jerry mackie on the opening day of the 1929–30 season.