James Vincent returned to the starting line up to replace the suspended Liam Bridcutt, otherwise it was the same side that won at Brighton last Saturday.

Oli Johnson (ankle) and Adam Griffin (groin) were doubts during the week but both players were fit enough to be named on the bench.

As expected Paul Gerrard was ruled doubt withy a groins strain; Lloyd Rigby, signed on non-contract terms, took Gerrard's place on the bench.

It was a tail of two penalties at Edgeley Park with referee Carl Boyeson at the centre of each controversial decision.

In first half stoppage time he adjudged that Gianluca Havern had handled in the box following Adam Lallana's corner. Rickie Lambert, to the annoyance of the Cheadle End, beat Owain Fon Williams inside his right-hand post.

Then, with the final whistle seconds away, County launched one last attack. Carl Baker clipped the ball forward, Peter Thompson's shot hit the arm of Neal Trottman and Mr Boyeson pointed to the spot. Baker took responsibility and buried his shot past Kelvin Davies.

Baker, in fact, should have fired the Hatters in front after just two minutes. Thompson flicked the ball into his path but he pulled his shot wide from close range.

Southampton first threatened after 10 minutes. Lambert, though, was off target with a 25-yard free kick from a central position.

Two minutes later the lively Baker had the crowd on their feet when he jinked past three players and fed David Poole down the left. Poole switched play to Thompson who was quickly closed down and the defence cleared.

Lallana showed why he is so highly rated with two efforts in quick succession. His first, a header, was saved. His second, after rounding Johnny Mullins, was deflected to Fon Williams.

County responded with a great piece of play from Greg Tansey who found Baker. His shot ended at the feet of Thompson who changed direction of the ball; Davies made the save.

Lallana then brought a good save out of Fon Williams before Lambert's goal saw the ref leave the field at the break to a chorus of boos.

The second half started with a brilliant Mullins cross; no one was on hand at the far post.

Lallana then missed a good chance after being set up by Lambert. County hit back with a terrific move involving Tansey, Michael Rose, James Vincent and Thompson who found Pilkington wide on the left. The winger tricked his way past Wayne Thomas and into the box; unfortunately he couldn't find a blue shirt with his pull back.

From the next attack County had a real let off when Lambert headed Lallana's corner against the bar.

A minute later Fon Williams turned Lloyd James shot round the post. From the resultant corner Thomas wasted a chance when he headed onto the top of the net.

The Saints were on the attack again on 61 minutes with a wicked cross from Lambert that evaded everyone in the box.

County refused to crack, though, and, with the Blue & White Army right behind them they kept going and, a minute later, Thompson saw a shot blocked in the box.

A weak clearance from Fon Williams gave Marek Saganowski a chance; fortunately the Polish international shot wide.

Baker caused more problems for the visitors 14 minutes from time when he came in from the left and curled a shot just wide.

But County kept going and last weekend's hat-trick hero had the final word with his late, late penalty to register his fourth goal of the season.