Hull boosted their play-off hopes with a thumping of Southampton that keeps the Saints in the relegation picture.

Frazier Campbell gave Hull an early lead, although Stern John missed a chance to level for Southampton.

Hull scored twice in as many minutes after the break through Henrik Pedersen's slick finish and Michael Turner's header, to take control.

Dean Marney notched Hull's fourth with a shot from 30 yards and Bryan Hughes curled in the fifth in injury time.

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Hull City manager Phil Brown:

"It was the best performance in the final third from us this season.

"At half-time I didn't see a 5-0 coming but we stood up to their threat admirably and it was very pleasing to get a clean sheet.

"Our position in the table is great to see, but I haven't got an eye on the top two. It's nice to be looking up rather than down though."

Southampton manager Nigel Pearson:

"We've done okay over the last five games but I thought we were awful all the way through and we never got to grips with the game.

"We showed no real spark and they took full advantage.

"I don't think we worked hard enough to get things going. I take full responsibility as I pick the team, but unfortunately we couldn't cope with them."

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Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Clement, Dawson, Garcia (Bridges 78), Ashbee, Marney, Pedersen (France 70), Campbell, Windass (Hughes 59).
Subs Not Used: Tyler, Walton.

Goals: Campbell 7, Pedersen 55, Turner 57, Marney 68, Hughes 90.

Southampton: Poke, Ostlund, Powell, Viafara, Thomas, Licka (Gillett 62), Euell, Safri, Vignal, McGoldrick (Pericard 46), John (Wright 70).
Subs Not Used: Pernecky, Saganowski.

Booked: Viafara.

Att: 16,829

Ref: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).