By Martin Rowe
Southampton beat Aston Villa in the first of many relegation dog fight fixtures over the coming weeks with a Rickie Lambert penalty.
Saints made a couple of changes from their last league game, Jos Hooiveld replaced injured Jose Fonte whilst Guly Do Prado was replaced by Jay Rodriguez.
Saints started slowly with the hosts piling on early pressure with Christian Benteke using his height against Nathaniel Clyne.
Despite spending early parts on the back foot Saints countered with real penetration as Jay Rodriguez was released by Lambert before scuffing the shot into Brad Guzan’s hands.
Then Rodriguez was involved again as he found space before going down in the box with the referee pointing to the spot.
The trustworthy Rickie Lambert scored the resulting penalty to keep his impeccable penalty taking record for the south coast side – 31 goals from 31 penalties taken.
Villa have only managed to score seven goals in their past 10 games but Benteke should have had the hosts level when Stevens’ shot was only parried by Artur Boruc, but the Belgian could only side foot the rebound over.
Saints had limited chances in the second half – Jason Puncheon had a shot hit the base of the post – but were defending most of the second half.
Teenage sensation Luke Shaw needed to be stretchered off late on.
Villa rallied towards the end as Nathan Baker had his header hit the crossbar but Saints held on for a priceless three points.
The win means Southampton have won five of their six recognised ‘six pointer matches’ with the only defeat coming against Wigan Athletic in August.