Southampton missed the opportunity to move top of the Championship table after being held to a 1-1 draw by promotion rivals Cardiff City at St Mary's tonight.
The Saints knew that they could regain first place should they beat the Bluebirds and West Ham lose at Ipswich Town tonight.
However it was the Carling Cup finalists who took the lead courtesy of Craig Conway's goal.
The midfielder pounced to strike home following Kelvin Davis's weak punch from a City corner.
Nigel Adkin's side thought they had earned a way back into the tie when Adam Lallana was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away appeals for a penalty.
The hosts were awarded a spot kick in the second half, however, when Lallana's cross struck the hand of Cardiff full-back Kevin McNaughton.
Top scorer Ricky Lambert stepped up to convert and earn the Saints a point with 57 minutes on the clock.
Southampton next travel to in-form Birmingham City while Cardiff host Blackpool.
