Saganowski scored twice as Saints blitzed Preston in the first half

Marek Saganowski scored twice as Southampton romped into a 3-0 half-time lead and held on to win despite a late rally from promotion-chasing Preston.

Saganowski teed up Andrew Surman who drilled the opener in at the near post.

Simon Gillet and Adam Lallana combined to set up Saganowski whose half-volley made it 2-0 and he smashed in the third after a pass from Surman.

Ross Wallace's close-range finish made it 3-1, and Wallace and John Parkin had chances late on but Saints held out.

Southampton head coach Mark Wotte:

"It was a big win for us and will do a lot for our confidence - but we are still in trouble.

"With 13 games to go we probably have to win another five or six games so we'll keep our feet on the ground.

"The difference today was that we had a goalscorer. In recent games we have played well and have got nothing.

"At Bristol City last week we hit the post twice and in all could have scored three goals but we ended up with nothing.

"The difference today was that Marek Saganowski put the chances away."

Preston manager Alan Irvine:

"They were first to every ball, they passed the ball better - and we were second best all over the pitch.

"Our application, desire and determination is something I don't normally have to question with my players - but I did today."

"Sometimes you have to use the big stick and on other days it's best to remain calm.

"Today I used the big stick and it got some response. The second half was better - but we had left ourselves with a mountain to climb.

"In this division there is not much between the teams and you have to turn up for every game - and we did not turn up today."

Southampton: Davis, James, Perry, Saeijs, Skacel, Lallana (Liptak 88), Gillett, Euell, Surman, McGoldrick (Wotton 77), Saganowski (Wright-Phillips 87).
Subs Not Used: Bialkowski, Smith.

Booked: Euell.

Goals: Surman 19, Saganowski 29, 42.

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Davies (Mawene 46), St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick (Brown 46), McKenna, Nicholson (Chaplow 46), Wallace, Parkin, Elliott.
Subs Not Used: Neal, Whaley.

Booked: Chaplow.

Goals: Wallace 73.

Att: 14,790

Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).

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