Beattie penalty gives Saints lead

Southampton 1, Blackburn 0 (half-time)

James Beattie struck his fifth league goal of the season from the penalty spot to give rampant Southampton a deserved 1-0 half-time lead over Blackburn at St Mary’s Stadium.

Ormerod had a golden opportunity to put the home side ahead in the 28th minute, but he failed to connect properly with Jason Dodd’s corner and his attempt from eight yards sailed over the crossbar.

Next it was the turn of Anders Svensson to be wasteful in front of goal. He failed to make the most of an incisive reverse pass from Ormerod, allowing Friedel to gather comfortably when clean through in the 33rd minute.

But Beattie finally gave them the lead they deserved from the penalty spot after Craig Short had fouled Svensson. The Southampton striker coolly fired right-footed past Friedel and low into the bottom corner in the 38th minute.

Martin Taylor did have the ball in the net for the visitors soon afterwards, but he was ruled offside.