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.

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.