Southampton resisted an attacking onslaught from Leeds United to hold on for a vital 1-0 win at Elland Road this afternoon.
The hosts started brightly, but it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play. A cross from the right was nodded back across to Rickie Lambert, who lashed his volley past Andy Lonergan for his 20th league goal of the season.
Leeds were almost level just before the half-hour mark when a dangerous cross from Ross McCormack flashed across the six yard box to Luciano Becchio, but the striker was denied by a point-blank reaction save from Kelvin Davis.
United continued to knock on the door, but couldn't find a breakthrough before the interval.
The home side continued to press for an equaliser throughout the second half, twice being denied by impressive saves by Davis.
Southampton's defence continued to be stubborn until the very end. With five minutes left on the clock a goalmouth scramble resulted in Leeds hitting the crossbar before the ball was eventually put behind for a corner.
The result means that Southampton extend their lead at the top of the Championship to four points, while Leeds remain 10th in the table.
Barney Corkhill
