Hughes has hope after Saints success

VICTORY in the league came at the fifth attempt for Mark Hughes after seeing his Southampton side pick up three vital points with a 2-1 win over south-coast rivals Bournemouth.

The Welshman had not tasted success since a 2-0 FA Cup sixthround win over Wigan in his first game in charge at St Mary’s but will now look to move out of the drop zone, having closed to within a point of Swansea.

‘We needed to win the game, a draw wasn’t good enough. It was a huge effort,’ said Hughes. ‘Now we need to keep up this momentum and if we keep playing like this we will go close.’

Dusan Tadic opened the scoring on 25 minutes, slotting the ball beyond Asmir Begovic.

Josh King levelled for the Cherries on the stroke of half-time.

However, Tadic would have the last laugh, striking the winner on 54 minutes.

Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy denied Ryan Fraser in injurytime as Saints survived an onslaught to hang on.

West Brom are still officially a Premier League club after a 1-0 victory at Newcastle.

Matt Phillips’ effort sent the Baggies to within five points of Swansea, albeit having played a game more, with just two matches remaining.

West Brom caretaker boss Darren Moore said: ‘We came to a tough arena, against a good team, and we needed to perform well to come away with a result.’

Huddersfield were left with minor relegation fears after a 2-0 loss to Everton.

The Terriers are six points clear of trouble after goals either side of half-time from Cenk Tosun and Idrissa Gueye gave the Toffees all three points.

Liverpool followed up their thrilling midweek 5-2 Champions League semi-final win over Roma with a 0-0 draw at home to Stoke City.

Burnley were held by Brighton at Turf Moor by the same scoreline.