Saints march past West Ham to stay top

Southampton extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after a 1-0 victory over West Ham in front of a record crowd at St.Mary's.

The match was first place against second, and a win for the Hammers would have seen them occupy first place.

But the Saints had a 100% record on the south-coast and were going to be hard to beat in front of a 32, 150 record crowd.

The away side started the brighter and went close through former Portsmouth player Matt Taylor, but Kelvin Davis was equal to his effort.

After a positive start by West Ham - the home side came into the game and you could sense the feeling that a goal was coming at the fortress that has been St.Mary's this season.

The Saints went close through Richard Chaplow and David Connolly - but the deadlock was finally broken just seconds before the interval.

Danny Fox delivered a perfect corner and it was met with a powerful header from on-loan from Celtic defender Jos Hooiveld.

Nigel Adkins' side continued to put the Londoners under pressure after the re-start as the game opened up.

Connolly squandered a chance to make it 2-0, while Kevin Nolan went close for the Hammers.

In what was a nervous finish for the Saints - they managed to hold on for the three points to maintain their 100% home record to extend their lead at the top to five points.

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