Six-point Easter leaves promotion in Saints' hands

After eighty-four minutes of Southampton's top-of-the-table clash with Brighton it looked bleak for the Saints.

Ashley Barnes' goal in first-half stoppage time had given the league champions the lead, putting Southampton's automatic promotion challenge in jeopardy.

However, a late surge stunned Brighton and gave Nigel Atkin's team a vital three points. David Connolly tied the score before Jose Fonte grabbed the winner in injury time.

Southampton may look back on this result in the summer and pinpoint it as the turning point that could see the Saints playing in The Championship next season.

There was little time for the Saints to relax as they faced Hartlepool on Easter Monday. However, a professional performance from Southampton claimed another three points with a 2-0 win.

A penalty from Ricky Lambert and a late strike from Fonte saw off Hartlepool, but the Saints remain level on points with Huddersfield in the League One table.

Huddersfield, who haven't lost since Southampton thrashed them in December picked up six points of their own over the long weekend. Both teams are on 83 points, but Saints have a better goal difference and a game in hand.

Southampton's extra game takes place next Monday against strugglers, Plymouth Argyle. A win for the Pilgrims could take them out of the danger zone, so expect Plymouth to take the game seriously.

Both Huddersfield and Southampton must play Brentford before the end of the season, but the big game this Saturday sees Huddersfield host Brighton. If Huddersfield fail to win and Saints can take another six points this weekend, they could go into the final weekend knowing promotion is secured.

There is a lot of football left to play, and Saints need to be at their best to secure a place in The Championship. More importantly, Southampton need points no matter how they come.

Saints trying last-minute bid for Forte

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks set to stay at St Mary's - for now.

With focus on Liverpool's dramatic transfer dealings, Southampton may add to their squad for the remainder of the season. After tying up Brazilian star Guilherme do Prado last week, it appears Scunthorpe winger Jonathan Forte may be moving to Southampton.

Forte is familiar with ex-Scunthorpe boss and current Saints manager Nigel Adkins, and is not seen as a replacement for Alex Chamberlain.

A statement on the Scunthorpe United website said: "Iron manager Ian Baraclough has confirmed that forward Jonathan Forte is in Southampton discussing a potential move to the League one side."

Southampton 1-2 Manchester United

Southampton should be extremely proud of themselves.

Not only did they lead the mighty Manchester United after an hour of play, but they played some Premiership-standard football in the process.

Saints dominated the first half with some slick passing play, but found it hard to test United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard. United's main offensive threat came from Michael Owen, who eventually leveled for the visitors.

Southampton's good work eventually paid off as Richard Chaplow's ferocious drive left the Red Devils stunned moments before half time.

Saints were confident and they had every reason to be. Their midfield was dominating the game, which lacked any real width. Chaplow was winning his fair share of 50-50s while Alex Chamberlain was trying his best to expose a weak United defence.

Michael Owen had a shocking first half. His wayward cross surprised Bartosz Bialkowski, but that was all the ex-real Madrid man could conjure up in a disappointing first half for his side.

Owen was having a frustrating time, but answered his critics when he nodded home a fortunate deflected cross to level. Saints went into panic mode, reminiscent of their Premier League days, but survived as Paul Scholes tried to create another opening.

Alex Ferguson had some big names on the bench and the introduction of Ryan Giggs finally gave United the winning goal. Giggs capitalised on a slip by Ryan Dickson and played in Javier Hernandez who just about got enough on the ball to beat Bialkowski to take United through to the next round.