Southampton have taken a deserved lead into the half-time break against Newcastle United with a goal from Adam Lallana.

Southampton started the stronger side with Nathaniel Clyne coming close early on, but his shot hit his own man Lallana and went wide.

Gaston Ramirez was inches away from giving Southampton the lead in the 24th minute but his free-kick hit the post.

Tim Krul of Newcastle was forced into action just after the half-hour mark as he saved with his legs from a Jason Puncheon cross.

A minute later Rickie Lambert tried from a free kick. With Krul beaten he also saw his effort cannon off the woodwork, this time the crossbar saving the visitors.

However, Saints did not have to wait much longer for their deserved opener as Lallana tapped into an empty net after Clyne's shot had been blocked.