Southampton took a significant step towards Premier League survival with a 1-0 win which increases the relegation concerns of south coast rivals Brighton.
Saints captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg earned the visitors victory at the Amex Stadium by scoring his first goal since December early in the second half.
Albion almost levelled when right-back Martin Montoya crashed a shot against the crossbar from the edge of the box with 18 minutes to go but Chris Hughton's side, who grabbed a last-gasp equaliser at St Mary's in September, were unable to salvage a draw.
The home fans were then unhappy with match official Oliver when Davy Propper went to ground in the box following a nudge from Denmark midfielder Hojbjerg after Saints keeper Angus Gunn failed to hold a ball into the box.
Southampton were pinned back for the majority of the nervy closing stages, with Seagulls substitute Jurgen Locadia finally producing the hosts' first attempt on target six minutes from time.
Despite the heavy pressure, Ralph Hasenhuttl's men doggedly held on for a vital three points to end a run of three successive Premier League draws between the two clubs.
