Southampton recorded their 16th consecutive home league win in the top of the table clash at St Mary's this afternoon.

Guly do Prado's headed brace inside the first half hour and a late goal from David Connelly strengthened the Saints; grip on the Championship.

The home side started the game brightly and were ahead after a quarter of an hour when Guly met Danny Butterfield's cross to head home.

It was two soon after when the Brazilian stooped to head in Ricky Lambert's knockdown from inside the six-yard box.

Guly's second-half replacement Connelly sealed the points ten minutes from time after Lambert was again the provider for the Irishman.

Southampton remain three points clear of West Ham in second while Middlesbrough drop one place to fourth.