Southampton advanced into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they held off a second-half comeback from Burnley to secure a 4-3 victory at St Mary's Stadium this afternoon.
© Getty Images
The visitors started brightly as top scorer Danny Ings threatened when he met Kieran Trippier's cross from the right wing, but his headed effort was saved by Kelvin Davis.
Mauricio Pochettino's side took the lead in the 22nd minute when Nathaniel Clyne picked up the ball just outside the area and let fly with a powerful shot on the half-volley that flew into the top corner, leaving Heaton with no chance.
© Getty Images
The Saints doubled their lead when Rickie Lambert found space on the edge of the penalty area and he drilled a right-footed shot into the top corner, again leaving Heaton with no chance to keep the shot out.
After the break Burnley got themselves back into the match as Trippier raided down the right again, but this time Sam Vokes connected with a header and his effort flew past Davis into the net.
© Getty Images
Minutes later, the visitors got an equaliser as Ings raced onto a long ball over the top of the Saints' defence and fired it past Davis from a tight angle.
Burnley could have taken the lead as the ball fell kindly for Vokes inside the penalty area and he powered an effort at goal, but Davis was there to make the crucial save for the home side.
However, the Saints regained the lead as James Ward-Prowse raided into the area and somehow the ball got through to former Claret Jay Rodriguez, who fired it past Heaton.
Southampton put the game out of sight when Adam Lallana scored his side's fourth of the afternoon, as he ran at the Burnley defence and fired a low effort in from the edge of the area.
The Clarets made the game tense late on as Kevin Long powered a header past Davis from Junior Stanislas's corner, but the Saints managed to hold out for the win.
Simon Sinclair
