THOMPSON THUNDERBOLT STUNS SAINTS

It was Graham Alexander's first win in seven matches since he replaced Paul Heckingbottom at the end of September. Southampton, beaten for the first time in seven, threw everything at Preston after the break and got nothing for it.

Preston stay bottom, but Deepdale finally has something to cheer.

“We've played such a good block back after the international break and obviously we had a different idea for the game - we just needed to make sure that we finish the block strong. In order to do that, especially against all teams, it's important that you start a game strong, that you come out of the tunnel strong and find a good way into the game. We didn't do that. We wasted one half today.” – Tonda Eckert, Southampton head coach, speaking to BBC Radio Solent, via BBC Sport

Boro had 74% possession and 18 shots to Watford's eight, with David Strelec starting in place of the missing Lankshear, but Federico Ravaglia made four saves to keep a clean sheet. Kyle Joseph was denied from close range late on, and Riley McGree's late drive was blocked as the Hornets clung on for a precious point.