Southampton 1, Cardiff City 0: John shoots down the Bluebirds

The Southampton manager, George Burley, heralded the commitment shown by his team after a Stern John strike earned them a 1-0 win over Cardiff City yesterday.

John's well-taken 15th minute goal aside, it was certainly not pretty, but, after conceding more goals than any other Championship team so far this season, Burley was not in the least bit concerned about that.

"We have been playing some good football at times this season, but that wasn't the case today," he said. "What we did do though was work our socks off and we have kept a clean sheet.

"We had a lot of spirit and, when you have got spirit, you have always got a chance. That is what won us through today."

Free-scoring Cardiff had looked set to fill their boots when Southampton's defensive frailty was exposed after just a matter of seconds. The home side completely failed to deal with a regulation corner and Robbie Fowler was disappointed to fire high over the bar from close range after Roger Johnson's knockdown.

Inigo Idiakez drifted forward and slipped a through ball to John, who burst through a gaping hole in the Cardiff defence and lashed home left-footed.

Cardiff were quickly back on top though and they created the only other serious chance of the half, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink drilling a shot wide of the post.

The second half began in the same manner. Hasselbaink tested Kelvin Davis with a drive and Fowler missing from short range.

The introduction of Trevor Sinclair gave Cardiff added potency down the right flank, but Southampton's much maligned defence held out.

Saints substitute, Jason Euell, missed a golden chance to double the lead in the 88th minute and then Peter Whittingham and Fowler each failed to convert last-gasp opportunities.

"We totally dominated the game and we really should have gone on to win," said Cardiff manager, Dave Jones. "We created enough chances to get back into it. Not many teams will come here and give George's team a bit of a pasting. We have rolled them over, but not done any real damage."