Leo Scienza's deflected early strike gave Southampton a much-needed 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at St Mary's, as Tonda Eckert's side held their nerve under late pressure to climb a place in the table.
The Brazilian's seventh-minute effort, diverted beyond Michael Cooper via a hefty touch off Blades captain Ollie Arblaster, ultimately separated two teams who began the season among the promotion favourites but currently find themselves in the division's bottom half.
Southampton fashioned enough chances to have settled the contest long before the final whistle, with Ross Stewart, Finn Azaz and Scienza all spurning openings, but their wastefulness almost proved costly as substitutes Patrick Bamford and Gustavo Hamer threatened a late equaliser for the visitors.
Welington and Scienza Strike Early