A Jody Craddock own goal and a second half strike from Marian Pahars handed Southampton the points against Sunderland on Saturday.

With Claudio Reyna making his debut, Peter Reid's side were bidding to add to Saints' miserable record at their new St Mary's ground, which has seen them take just four points from six league games.

But it was the Saints who made the brightest start, with Latvian playmaker Pahars causing all sorts of problems for the Black Cats defence.

Then with just minutes remaining until half-time, the home side took a deserved lead.

Winger Chris Marsden played a dangerous ball into the Sunderland box towards Pahars, but before it could reach him, defender Craddock headed the ball beyond his own 'keeper Thomas Sorensen.

It was game over for Sunderland when Pahars struck in spectacular fashion mid-way through the second half.

Swedish international Anders Svensson played in Pahars, who nodded the ball down and lashed the ball past Sorensen.