Saints saw the return of Marsden and Beattie to the side which has sorely missed them in recent weeks. In truth Saints weren't really troubled by Derby this afternoon and they were able to exploit plenty of space and control the park for long spells.
Saints, as always started with their customary positive approach, although they had a bit of a scare after three minutes when Christie looked to be getting clear of the defence. Wayne Bridge's recovered well to concede only a corner.
At the other end Saints nearly took the lead after six minutes when Chris Marsden's shot from six yards out had to be cleared off the line.
Saints always looked threatening down the flanks with Bridge and Dodd putting in dangerous crosses. Delap's trademark longthrows, although predictable caused a few problems and Oakley looked very lively getting forward, heading over at the near post form a bridge cross after thirteen minutes.
Oakley almost had another opportunity after 17 minutes from a Beattie pass, but Riggott just managed to prevent him going for goal.
Although the game was a little scrappy at periods with some poor control both sides were getting chances. It was Southampton who took the lead after 27 minutes after a spell dominated by Derby. Dodd's excellent pass reached Oakley who's volley smashed past Oakes.
Saints had to contend with a Higginbotham shot and a poor Kinkladzze effort before Derby had their best chance of the game. Kinkladze shifted the ball from right to left foot deceiving Oakley. His cross reached Ravanelli who knocked the ball back across the box to Riggott. Riggott's shot hit the underside of the bar. Christie's follow up effort went over the bar but it showed Saints were far from secure in their lead.
Saints had plenty of play in the Derby half but really failed to create as many chances as they should have against a team going down into the Nationwide.
The home side started the second half with a typically feeble freekick that deceived everyone including their own players and then lost Marsden to a calf injury. The excellent Jo Tessem came on for him and again showed his versatility by slotting in well on the left flank. I thought he played better there than Fernandes (not even on the bench) has done.
Once more Saints were pretty much in control of the game without creating too much form the possession.
In fact it took the efforts of Gordon Strachan to get the second goal from Saints. Strachan quickly got an out of play ball to Delap. The Irish international's long throw reached Pahars, who's shot beat Oakes.
Strachan had been displeased a few weeks ago by the time taken to get the ball back to his players for throw ins. He's a bit old, but the right height, to be a ball boy and obviously thought direct action was necessary. Definitely worth a point for a fantasy football assist.
What little fight they had, went out of Derby completely after the second goal and John Gregory retreated back into his dugout for a while. Saints continued to dominate possession comfortably. Beattie and Pahars linked up well only to see Tessem shoot well over.
Brett Ormerod came on for Pahars but the next opportunity fell to Derby. Christie's shot went just wide showing that Saints couldn't just sit on a two goal lead. Such was the lack of clear Southampton attempts that a goal from Derby would have put quite a bit of pressure on the St. Mary's men.
Ormerod looked quite lively although he should have got a third after a great run and cross from Dodd. He tried to make ammends five minutes later only to see his shot comeback off the post. Beattie couldn't convert the follow up.
Strupar managed to hit the side netting for Derby with five minutes to go but in truth it was all Southampton and the win was by a comfortable margin in the end.
With this win Southampton are almost certainly looking at a 25th year in the top division. However, there's not a huge gulf between half of the table. So while we can celebrate this win and this season (hopefully with a few more victories to come) it would be wise not to get too complacent about the strength of our side.
Strachan has turned the club around after Stuart Gray's record breaking poor run in charge. Now he has to build a side in his own image (small, talented and ginger) for next year.