Campbell keeps cool to stun Saints

STOKE boss Steve Schumacher hailed an ‘excellent’ display from his team after Tyrese Campbell’s winner secured survival in style.

But this was another grim afternoon for Southampton and a third straight loss in a week with a play-offs campaign looming.

Russell Martin’s men were booed off at both half-time and at the end, and thousands of fans snubbed the player of the season awards after the final whistle.

Campbell’s first-half strike was only his second league goal of the season and City should have had more.

Schumacher said: “We all knew we needed a result and now it’s over. When I came here the job was to keep the club up.

“Others were saying this week we were already over the line but that was not the case.

“The lads were excellent against a top team. I told them to be brave. The only negative is that we didn’t make more of our chances.”

Campbell’s goal came after 36 minutes when he beat both Taylor Harwoodbellis and Alex Mccarthy rather too easily.

And Josh Laurent and Million Manhoef should have added to Stoke’s tally.

Martin said: “It was a disappointing end to a disappointing week, for me, the players, the fans, and even the club doctor, who is leaving after 14 years.

“And I fear it will change the way people feel about a season in which we have done amazing stuff. But we have to get over this feeling quickly.” SOUTHAMPTON: Mccarthy 6; Walkerpeters 6, Harwood-bellis 5 (Bednarek (46) 6), Stephens 5, Bree 5; Charles 5 (Aribo (46) 6), Smallbone 5, Fraser 6; Edozie 6 (A Armstrong (79) 6), Mara 6 (Adams (63) 6), Brooks 5 (Downes (63) 6) STOKE: Iversen 7; However 7, Stevens 7 (Burger (72) 6), Mcnally 7, Wilmot 7; Thompson 7, Laurent 6, Cundle 7 (Baker (83) 6); Junho 7 (Vidigal (83) 6), Campbell 8 (Ennis (69) 6), Manhoef 8 (Tchamadeu (83) 6) STAR MAN: Million Manhoef - Gave Southampton’s defence a torrid afternoon with his display only lacking a goal.

David Webb 4