Adkins looks for additions to Southampton squad

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins plans to add a few new faces to his "close-knit squad" in order to keep their promotion charge on track.

Guly do Prado's headers either side of half-time helped the npower Championship leaders dispatch play-off contenders Crystal Palace at a packed-out St Mary's today.

The 2-0 victory stretches Saints' unbeaten league run at St Mary's to 24 matches and ends a poor run of recent form, which saw them win just once in their previous five matches.

"There were two good goals today," Adkins said.

"In the first half I thought we moved the ball around quickly.

"We knew we had to do that against a Crystal Palace side that has done very well this season.

"They set themselves out to defend deep in numbers and we wanted to move the ball brightly from one side to another.

"I think we dominated the first half and the second we started brightly again, before it got a little bit scrappy.

"But a good second goal from do Prado and we saw the game out quite comfortably. I am pleased we kept a clean sheet.

"The squad of players has led the Championship for more than three months now, having played some really exceptional football.

"In the summer a lot of people were expecting us to bring in a lot of players, but we only brought a couple in.

"The transfer window does open up on January 1. There will be mass speculation and we will probably get linked with loads and loads of players.

"Our endeavour will be to enhance the squad we have got but we have an exceptionally good team spirit, which has been demonstrated again today.

"We have a close-knit group that all want to be successful together."

Dougie Freedman admitted that Crystal Palace were beaten by a more complete side on the south coast this afternoon.

"On the evidence of today I can understand why Southampton are at the top of the league," said the Eagles boss.

"We defended well at times but when [Rickie] Lambert or [Adam] Lallana do not pop up with a goal, somebody else steps up to the plate.

"Do Prado did the business today but apart from that you scratch your head and are wondering whether we could or should maybe have got something out of the game.

"I felt in the second half we pressed a bit higher and were getting a little bit of joy in terms of ball retention and maybe created a few opportunities.

"But then they got their second goal and we have to hold our hands up sometimes and give credit to Southampton because of the outfit they are.

"As I say, on this particular day do Prado popped up with the two goals that I feel were the difference."

PA