Southampton 1, Leeds United 0

Inconsistent Leeds United still await their first back-to-back wins of 2010 after Southampton deservedly avenged their 1-0 defeat at Elland Road in December.

The setback yesterday left Simon Grayson’s promotion chasers seven points behind Coca-Cola League One leaders Norwich, who came from behind to win against Huddersfield.

However, Charlton’s defeat at in-form Millwall left United still five points clear in second place and they visit Millwall a week tomorrow in a match of vital importance.

Ironically, the only goal at Southampton was scored by former Leeds defender Dan Harding after 25 minutes, but it was winger Jason Puncheon who ran the Leeds rearguard ragged in an embarrassingly one-sided first half.

Grayson complained: “It was hugely disappointing because I didn’t think we turned up. We didn’t play anywhere near our capabilities, which is frustrating. We never tested their keeper, and that isn’t good enough.

“Southampton are a good, high-tempo team who have spent a lot of money, and we were fortunate to be just one goal down at half-time.

"We improved in the second half but without creating enough chances. Now we have to move on and prepare for the Millwall game, which is a big one in front of the TV cameras.”

Watched by a crowd of over 30,000, both teams were unchanged but Southampton had to make an alteration after only 15 minutes when right back John Otsemobor limped off to be replaced by Wayne Thomas.

The change failed to upset Alan Pardew’s side, whose last two home games had produced ten goals, and it was easy to see why.

Jermaine Beckford had an early penalty claim rejected but United were fortunate when Puncheon got round Aidan White and smacked a shot against a post in the 19th minute.

However, when Rickie Lambert and Puncheon combined, Harding arrived in the goalmouth for a simple tap-in.

Southampton were much more creative, and after Tunisian defender Radhi Jaidi had a goal disallowed on 34 minutes, Puncheon beat White again and Adam Lallana headed over an open goal from six yards.

Referee Peter Walton was unpopular with Southampton fans for a series of questionable decisions and he needed an escort as he left the field at half-time.

White was spared any further punishment as he made way for Leigh Bromby, who filled the right-back role, Andrew Hughes moving into White’s left-back position at the start of the second half, which began with Leeds relieved to be just one goal down.

Just after the hour, Neil Kilkenny left the bench in place of Gary McSheffrey, who had taken a blow to the head.

Southampton were nowhere near as dominant in the second half, with Hughes stemming the threat from Puncheon, but alarmingly Leeds failed completely to test keeper Kelvin Davis.

Max Gradel was booked immediately after leaving the bench in place of Luciano Becchio in the 76th minute and the Ivory Coast player was fortunate to stay on the field for needlessly pushing Harding to the turf.

Robert Snodgrass went closest to scoring for Leeds with a shot which flew inches wide in time added on.