REPORT: Saints Thrash Boro

Southampton 3-0 Middlesborough

Saints eased to victory over fellow promotion candidates Middlesborough with an accomplished performance at St Mary's.

Two early goals from Guly Do Prado and a late strike from substitute David Connolly helped maintain Nigel Adkins' side's impressive home form.

Boro were expected to give Saints a stiff test, but in truth - the home side dominated from start to finish. It look only 15 minutes for Southampton to open the scoring. Do Prado, playing up front alongside Rickie Lambert - headed home after a pinpoint cross from Danny Butterfield.

It didn't take long for the Brazilian to double his tally as some questionable Boro defending allowed Lambert to head the ball across goal, and Do Prado was waiting to nod home to give the hosts a healthy lead.

Do Prado had a glorious opportunity to seal his hat-trick but his scuffed shot came back off the post and away to safety.

Saints continued their dominance with Boro's best chance falling to Scott McDonald but he shot wide of the mark. Jack Cork forced a good save from Boro keeper Jason Steele before good work from Ricard Chaplow set up Jose Fonte, but again Steele saved well.

A patient passing move and brilliant fake by Lambert set up Connolly in acres of space, who lashed a powerful shot into the net to end any chance of a Boro fightback.

BLOG: Is It Time To Start Thinking Of Promotion?

Last night reminded me of the good old days at St Mary's.

A sell-out for a big game on a Tuesday evening brought much of the city's roads to a standstill. The passion at the club hasn't been stronger in years, and with Saints sitting five points clear at the top of the table, is it time we start forgetting about survival and turn our heads towards promotion to the Premier League?

The Saints have made a perfect start to their return to the second tier of English football. Southampton's form isn't utterly surprising, given the financial situation and the stature of the club. However, the Championship is one of the toughest leagues in Europe - and Saints are certainly turning some heads. With six straight home wins, and another eight points on the road - things are looking bright for the Saints.

However, we shouldn't get carried away. It is only October. It is great to see Saints topping the league, but we're only a quarter of the way through a very demanding season.

Southampton are likely to pick up a few injuries along the way. Although Saints lead the league in goals scored, there is a notable lack of depth up front. Rickie Lambert looked tired against West Ham, as did David Connolly. Saints have a lot of games before Christmas, and it is only going to get tougher for the front two.

Nigel Adkins tried to sign a striker before the transfer window shut, and he will surely look to add some fire power in December. Southampton's midfield is fairly strong. Although Adam Lallana has missed the last two games, Saints continued to dominate in midfield with Richard Chaplow and Jack Cork stepping up. Lallana is injury-prone, and with Saints' depth in midfield, Adkins will not have to overuse the 23-year-old.

Saints have a tough fixture list up until the Christmas break. Games against in-form Crystal Palace, Middlesborough and Peterborough are mixed with big games against Reading and Brighton. The next few weeks will be a big test for Saints.

It is far too early to be even thinking about promotion. However, if Southampton can weather a harsh run up to Christmas, they can maybe start thinking about promotion. Just maybe.

Saints Go Five Points Clear

Southampton 1-0 West Ham

A headed goal from Jos Hooiveld sent Southampton five points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Hooiveld's goal came just before half time, and West Ham's 'Route One' style was unable to beat Kelvin Davis in the second half.

The Hammers made the brighter start and Matt Taylor forced an early good save from Davis. Saints dominated possession and territorially in a gritty first half, but produced very little to test Manuel Almunia.

Baldock forced another good save from Davis, and the defensive scare seemed to rally Saints. Rickie Lambert and David Connolly found it hard to make an impact - with Richard Chaplow pulling the strings in the absence of Adam Lallana.

Saints' persistence paid off when Hooiveld leapt to meet a corner and his thumping header was too strong for the visitors to stop. It was a big blow for West Ham, coming just before the break.

Sam Allardyce didn't give up on his preferred direct method of play. The Hammers were reliant on John Carew winning arial balls, but with little support and a strong centre-back pairing of Hooiveld and Jose Fonte - West Ham were short on ideas.

Southampton created several chances to increase their lead as they grew in confidence. Guly do Prado wasted several good opportunities, and Connolly shot wide from a tight angle.

A slip by Fonte allowed Baldock to race though on the Southampton goal, but his shot crept agonisingly wide. A good ball in by Mark Noble, deflected onto the post and away to safety, and despite a few nervy minutes late on - Saints hung on to record their 8th win of the season. Southampton have won all six home league games so far this season.