Southampton have moved three points clear at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday.
It was the home side who started the better and Kagisho Dikgacoi so nearly opened the scoring after four minutes, but Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was on hand to make a smart save.
Southampton's first real chance of the afternoon fell to Adam Lallana after 12 minutes, but his effort drifted wide of the post.
Chances remained few and far between as the half approached its latter stages, but Southampton took the lead after 39 minutes when Ricky Lambert headed home from close range.
Lambert added his second of the afternoon after 56 minutes after good work from Jack Cork.
Sean Scannell had the home side's best chance of the match after 63 minutes, but Davis was on hand to make a smart save.
Jose Fonte might have added a third for the Championship leaders late on, but Julian Speroni was on hand to make a smart save.
The result leaves Palace in 16th spot in the Championship.
Matt Law
