Lambert hat-trick sees off Forest

Southampton 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Southampton came from behind to extend their unbeaten home record to 12 games. Rickie Lambert's hat-trick sealed the three points which keeps Saints second in the Championship table.

It was the visitors to St Mary's who started brightly, and Forest went ahead when Matt Derbyshire prodded the ball home from close range. Saints responded moments later however, when Lambert grabbed his first goal - scoring on the rebound after Lee Camp had stopped David Connolly's shot.

Saints then forced themselves in front as Lambert headed home from close range after Adam Lallana flicked a good ball on.

Forest had the final say in a pulsating first half as Derbyshire set up Radoslaw Majewski for an easy finish to tie up the game.

Southampton came out positively in the second half, but they had to wait until the final ten minutes to find the winning goal. Danny Fox's perfect ball in was met by a powerful header from Lambert who sealed his hat-trick and the important three points for Saints.

Saints rode their luck at times, but will be more than happy with a big win - their first over Forest since 1997. Next for Nigel Atkins' side is a trip to Birmingham, where a win could turn Saints into true promotion candidates.

No new striker - but Saints sign Celtic defender

The transfer deadline passed with the Premier League top teams splashing the cash. However, at St Mary's, only one player arrived - Jos Hooiveld.

Southampton were linked with several potential strike partners for Rickie Lambert including Jermaine Beckford and Jay Rodriguez, but no deal could be struck.

Nigel Atkins said before deadline day that he would not be forced into panic buying, and perhaps the good form of David Connolly prevented Atkins from spending.

Hooiveld is an experienced physical centre-half, an ideal partner for Jose Fonte. The Dutchman has struggled to tie down a place in the Celtic first team, and spent time on loan at FC Copenhagen last season. The 28-year-old has signed on loan until January and is a welcome addition to a stretched defence. Saints fans should not worry about the lack of transfer activity. Jack Cork was a fantastic buy, and Atkins has held onto Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jose Fonte and got a very good deal for Alex Chamberlain.

Although Saints currently sit second in the Championship table, they must not get carried away. Although promotion is the ultimate aim, survival is a must. With the team they have built, Hooiveld should be a great addition.