Southampton have moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Reading this afternoon.
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The hosts almost took the lead within 10 minutes when Nathaniel Clyne raced down the right before drilling a cross towards Morgan Schneiderlin, but the Saints midfielder couldn't direct his effort on target.
Adam Federici was called into action midway through the half when Rickie Lambert sent in a curling effort, but the Reading keeper was equal to it.
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The Royals' first sight of goal came in the 28th minute through Jay Tabb, who burst into the box before forcing Kelvin Davis into making a save.
They almost took the lead in the closing stages of the first half when Sean Morrison flicked a header across goal to Hal Robson Kanu, but the Welsh midfielder's headed effort came back off the post.
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The Saints took the lead shortly after the hour mark when Clyne slid the ball into Jason Puncheon before the midfielder arrowed an effort into the bottom-left corner.
Clyne almost put his own name on the scoresheet soon after, beating Nicky Shorey before firing a shot towards the near post that Federici had to be alert to keep out.
Reading couldn't find an equaliser in the closing stages, however, as Southampton held on to move out of the bottom three.
Barney Corkhill
