Saga on song

Marek Saganowski netted his fifth and sixth goals since returning to Southampton from a loan spell at Danish side Aalborg. His goals put Mark Wotte's side on course for a 3-1 victory over Preston North End.

Speaking to www.saintsfc.co.uk, the Polish international said, "I'm happy with my own performance but the three points were the most important thing for us today," the striker said afterwards.

"It is fantastic for us but it is only one win and we still have some work to do," he added. "We played a very good game and got three great goals in the first half, I think Preston were happy to play the long ball and we deserved our win."

Saganowski got his first goal of the game after 28 minutes, putting Saints 2-0 up in the process. The affable forward scored a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the area, giving Preston keeper Andy Lonergan absolutely no chance, and the Pole admitted he caught the ball just how he wanted to.

"My first goal came well for me because Adam Lallana was able to chest the ball straight towards me and I just took one touch before hitting it exactly right."

Saganowski's second goal was more of an individual effort, as the in-form striker ran half the length of the pitch unchallenged before keeping his cool and firing past the helpless Lonergan.

"I noticed that Andrew Davies was down on the ground," he said. "No-one wanted to attack the ball played in by Rudi Skacel so I just moved the ball into my stride and struck it in low. It was a nice goal to score."

The forward admitted it was an odd feeling to be lining up against former Saint Andrew Davies, whose return to St Mary's lasted just 45 minutes as he was subbed off at half time due to injury.

"It was strange because six months ago I was playing alongside him and today I was against him but in the end I only got to play him for 45 minutes."

Saganowski also spoke about his latest strike partner, stating that he felt they brought the best out of each other.

"We played well going forward and Jason Euell was able to hold the ball up and get into the channels," he enthused. "I think I did a good job alongside Jason today, he held the ball up well and was a good fighter too and together we did well."

Saints' second home victory of the season was a timely boost for Mark Wotte's side, but Saganowski has stressed that the south coast club won't be getting carried away.

"It's a small step in the right direction but it will feel like an even bigger one if we can get three points next week against Cardiff which we now need to prepare ourselves for."

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