Saints' Ormerod skips past West Brom's Clement More Premiership photos

Southampton's James Beattie plundered the only goal in a comfortable win against struggling West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's.

England striker Beattie struck in the eighth minute with a 25-yard rocket for his 19th goal of the season.

The victory ended Saints' three-game losing streak and consigned West Brom to their 18th defeat, leaving Gary Megson's side deep in the relegation zone.

Southampton missed a plethora of chances to increase the lead, and had a Brett Ormerod second-half header disallowed, as West Brom struggled to contain their pace and vigour.

But it was the visitors who launched the first meaningful attack when Lee Hughes drove just wide after Jason Koumas' penetrating run.

Southampton hit back immediately with dangerman Beattie, who saw his header ripple the side netting off Anders Svensson's sixth-minute corner.

But Beattie was merely adjusting his sights and made no mistake two minutes later when he blasted a long-range effort past keeper Russell Hoult - Albion protests that the ball had gone out in the build-up fell on deaf ears.

Marsden (left) tangles with Moore

Southampton threatened to run riot early on, aided by sloppy West Brom defending, and Beattie and defender Claus Lundekvam wasted good opportunities.

West Brom did have their chances as Koumas went close with a free-kick and Sean Gregan rifled over the bar.

But Albion were under the cosh for longer and longer spells with Southampton expertly marshalled by captain Chris Marsden in midfield.

The home side squandered another chance to double the lead in the 32nd minute when Ormerod missed from close range.

And Matt Oakley also drew breath with another spectacular long-range effort just wide of the target.

Southampton began where they left off after the break and scored through Ormerod, only for the header to be disallowed for Beattie's foul on Hoult.

As West Brom went looking for an equaliser, they left gaping holes and Beattie was denied again on 65 minutes by Darren Moore.

But to West Brom's credit they pressed hard late on, and denied Southampton another goal despite their dominance, as Saints boss Gordon Strachan had to settle for three points the disappointing way.

Southampton: Niemi, Telfer, Michael Svensson, Lundekvam, Bridge, Fernandes (Higginbotham 90), Oakley, Anders Svensson (Prutton 28), Marsden, Beattie, Ormerod (Tessem 76).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Dodd.

Booked: Bridge, Oakley.

West Brom: Hoult, Sigurdsson, Gregan, Moore, Gilchrist, Udeze (Clement 25), Wallwork (Dobie 46), McInnes (Jordao 77), Koumas, Hughes, Dichio.
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Adam Chambers.

Booked: Gregan, Dichio.

Attendance: 31,915

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).