Di Canio row marrs Saints' Carling Cup win

Swindon Town 1-3 Southampton

Southampton eased to victory in the Carling Cup as they brushed aside a disappointing Swindon side. First half goals from Guly do Prado and Jonathan Forte gave the visitors an early lead, and despite a late scare - Ricky Lambert's strike sealed Saints' passage into the third round.

Paolo Di Canio is no stranger to controversy, and the Swindon boss' latest tussle took place after the final whistle as he was seen grappling with Swindon striker Leon Clarke.

The Italian appeared to be trying to diffuse an argument between Clarke and coach Claudio Donatelli. Di Canio grabbed Clarke around the back of his neck and seemingly wouldn't let go. The pair continued their scuffle as they moved down the tunnel, with Clarke left very upset by the ordeal.

It was a poor performance from Swindon, who couldn't repeat a 3-0 victory over Saints in last season's Johnstone's Painty Trophy.

Nigel Atkins made five changes to the side that lost to Leicester on Saturday, but Southampton looked very comfortable in the first half. It didn't take the Championship outfit long to open the scoring. A great ball in from Lee Holmes was headed home by Guly with sixteen minutes on the clock.

The Robbins were struggling to test Bartosz Białkowski and an upset looked even less likely when Swindon goalkeeper Phil Smith made a hash of a tame effort from Jonathan Forte, who doubled Saints' lead.

Swindon didn't really threaten until after the break as Southampton sat back. A perfectly struck free-kick from Mehdi Kerrouche gave the home side hope with five minutes left on the clock. However, Saints substitute Rickie Lambert slid the ball home in injury time to seal the win for his side.

Southampton will play either Charlton Athletic or Preston at St Mary's in the next round.

Carling Cup Preview: Swindon - Southampton

Southampton are likely to make several changes as they travel to The County Ground for their tricky encounter with Swindon Town.

Although Saints are flying high in the Championship, they know the threat Swindon possess all too well. During Southampton's two seasons in League One, Swindon beat Saints three times, with Nigel Atkins' side only defeating The Robbins on one occasion. Swindon also embarrassingly dumped Saints out of last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 3-0 win.

It will be a good test for several players trying to break into the Saints starting line-up. Morgan Schneiderlin, Jonathan Forte and Lee Barnard have all struggled to cement their place in the Southampton team.

They may get a chance tonight, but Paolo Di Canio's team will feel they can cause another upset after turfing out rivals Bristol City in the previous round.

Leicester 3-2 Southampton

Southampton's unbeaten start to the season came to a controversial end as Leicester City clung onto their first home win of the season.

The Foxes got off to a dream start as an early goal from Darius Vassell and a screamer from Richie Wellens gave the home side a commanding lead. Southampton finally woke up, and halved their opponents lead when great play from Adam Lallana set up Dean Hammond for a simple headed goal.

As Southampton searched for an equaliser, Leicester extended their lead in first half stoppage time. A dangerous ball in was headed into his own net by Southampton striker Rickie Lambert. However, Lambert appeared to be shoved in the back by Sol Bamba, but the goal stood.

The visitors came out for the second half with more determination, and got themselves back into the game when David Connolly continued his impressive scoring record with a close-range diving header.

Southampton pushed for the equaliser in a very open and attractive game. Lallana was denied twice by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who also made a point-blank save in injury time to frustrate Lambert.

Leicester hung on for a much-needed win , while Saints learnt a valuable lesson that they won't have everything their way this season.

Ipswich 2-5 Southampton

Rickie Lambert made his mark in the Championship with two goals as Southampton brushed aside Ipswich at Portman Road.

Lambert struck twice in the first eleven minutes and David Connolly added a third to put Southampton comfortably ahead before half time.

After finishing well from close range, Lambert doubled his tally after being sent through on goal by Adam Lallana. Connolly found the net after Guly Do Prado cut though the Ipswich defence with ease.

The home side created very little in the first half, but to their credit - they launched a comeback, helped by some complacent play from Saints.

A bullet from Keith Andrew gave Ipswich hope just after the break, and Jay Emmanuel Thomas scrambled the ball home to put his team within touching distance.

However, two late strikes from Adam Lallana settled Southampton's nerves. Lallana's first was crafted by a lobbed through ball by Morgen Schneiderlin. Lallana's second strike in injury time put the result beyond doubt.

Rickie Lambert has not played at the second tier before. However, he showed he has enough ability and confidence to score with ease. David Connolly's experience could be key to Southampton's success this season. Although Nigel Adkins is still in the market for a new striker, he has two very able players who are both playing very well.

Adam Lallana has been magnificent so far this season. He deservedly grabbed two late goals, but was instrumental in sending Lambert though on goal twice to help build a healthy lead for his side. Lallana is often prone to injury, but at the moment he is playing with a great deal of confidence as Southampton remain unbeaten.

Barnsley 0-1 Southampton

Southampton won their first away game of the season with a narrow win over Barnsley.

David Connolly's scrappy header was the only goal as Barnsley are still yet to score this season.

Substitute Richard Chaplow was sent off for Saints late on for a high tackle on Jay McEveley, but Southampton temporarily went top of the Championship after extending their club record of 8 straight league wins.

Although not a particularly polished performance from Southampton, Nigel Atkins' side will be pleased with their ability to grind out a gritty victory as their confidence grows.

Barnsley had good opportunities to equalise late on, but Kelvin Davis saved twice in stoppage time to deny Ricardo Vaz Te.

Connolly grabbed the only goal in the first half when a long ball was left by the unsure Barnsley defence, and Connolly headed the ball over hesitant Barnsley goalkeeper David Preece.

Why Saints need not worry about Chamberlain

Having one of your hottest prospects pinched by a top club is not the ideal start to a new season. However, Saints need not worry about the loss of Alex Chamberlain as their Championship season gets into full swing.

Chamberlain did not feature in Southampton's impressive 3-1 win over Leeds at the weekend. With a minimum of £12 million paid for the teenager, Southampton will think they have got a fantastic deal for a player who has played just one season in League One - and only a handful of goals to show for it.

Steve de Ridder looks like a natural replacement for Chamberlain. WIth experience of playing in the top Dutch Eredivisie, the Belguian winger is quick, scores goals and is a great crosser of the ball. Guly do Prado looked a little off the pace against Leeds on the wing, but de Ridder looked extremely comfortable against Torquay last night.

With a solid central midfield, de Ridder could be the missing piece for Southampton as Jason Puncheon looks set to make his inevitable departure from St Mary's. If some of the £12 million paid to Southampton for Chamberlain is used to bring in new faces, Nigel Atkins can build a solid squad to compete in the Championship.

There are still 45 games to play in the tough league season, so it is important not to get carried away. However, for the first time in a long while - Southampton appear to have some belief and a team spirit, which will be key in the tougher times this season.

Southampton 4-1 Torquay Utd (Carling Cup)

Nigel Atkins has a lot to be cheerful about.

Despite Torquay heralding from League Two, Southampton brushed aside the Seagulls with a polished performance from a strong team.

Steve de Ridder, making his first start for Saints - opened the scoring on 16 minutes. However, some lapse defending allowed Lee Mansell to level the scores moments after the visitors fell behind.

After a few nervy minutes, Southampton regained the lead with a textbook free kick from Rickie Lambert just before the half hour mark. The League Two outfit had chances in the second half to draw level once again, but Richard Chaplow put the result beyond doubt late on.

Jonathan Forte added a forth goal in injury time, striking on the rebound after Adam Lallana has struck the woodwork.

Although Torquay aren't the toughest opponents Southampton will face this season, Saints are playing with confidence and scoring goals.

Seven goals in their first two games by seven different scorers will give Atkins a lot to be hopeful about. Although teenage star Alex Chamberlain has finally left for Arsenal, Southampton are showing their team did not revolve around him.

Unlike the days of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and even Matt Le Tissier, the current Saints team have several good players who have started the season full of confidence. With a long way still to go, things are starting to look up for Southampton - and with a potential £12 million to spend following Chamberlain's departure - there are high hopes for Nigel Atkin's side.

Southampton 3-1 Leeds

Southampton got off to a perfect start to their Championship campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win over Leeds United. The result was the first season-opener won by Saints since beating Coventry on the opening day in 1999.

Two goals from Dean Hammond and Adam Lallana gave the home side the early advantage, and there was no way back for Leeds. David Connolly added a third shortly after half time, before Leeds grabbed a consolation goal from the penalty spot late on.

After a nervy start from Leeds, the first chance fell to the Yorkshire side - but Jonathan Howson shot straight at Kelvin Davis. However, a fantastic strike from Saints skipper Dean Hammond opened the scoring. The Leeds defence backed off and Hammond hit a sweet shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Max Gradel and Howson were trying their best to draw level, but Leeds couldn't find a decent final ball. A through ball from Rickie Lambert was pounced on by Adam Lallana. The midfielder produced a clever turn and perfect curling shot to give the hosts some breathing space.

Moments later Lallana nearly doubled his tally when Guly do Prado found the youngster. However, Andrew Lonergan smothered the shot to keep the score at 2-0.

Southampton sealed the three points seven minutes into the second half. David Connolly played a delightful one-two with Lallana before slotting the ball past the helpless Lonergan.

Leeds' best opportunity fell to substitute Billy Paynter, but Davis saved well as Southampton's defence scrambled the ball to safety. Richard Chaplow slammed a one-timer against the Leeds post as the contest fizzled out.

The visitors restored some pride after Aaron Martin has harshly penalised for handball in the penalty box. The ball appeared to hit Martin in the chest, but the penalty was awarded by the assistant referee. Gradel slotted home the spot kick but it was too little too late.

Adam Lallana showed he can make a name for himself this season if he can stay injury free and high in confidence. Southampton have depth in midfield, and adding an extra striker would give Nigel Atkins' squad real quality that could compete for the top places.

Jack Cork was not highly involved in any of his side's attacking dominance. However, defensively he frustrated Leeds from start to finish. If Cork can keep up the high level of commitment he showed on his debut, he could be vital to any success at St Mary's.

Southampton V Leeds Preview

Southampton V Leeds United

St Mary's Stadium

Saturday August 6, 17.20pm

Southampton start their Championship return with a tricky home game against Leeds. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of football at St Mary's, Saints have a good early test against one of the favourites for promotion.

Alex Chamberlain is still very much a Southampton player. However, the young winger suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly with West Brom, and may not feature in the season opener.

Dean Hammond should return for Southampton in a very competitive and strong midfield which should see Jack Cork and Steve de Ridder make their debuts.

Leeds may various injury problems up front, most notably Luciano Becchio and Davide Soma. However, new singing Darren O'Dea should go into the starting line-up after his move from Celtic.

Both teams will fancy their chances, but Leeds will go into the game as favourites. Having missed out on the playoffs last season, the Yorkshire side will want a good start to the season.

Southampton usually make a slow start to their season, and Leeds' defeat on the opening day against Derby was the first time in 21 years, they had lost on the opening day.