Saints moved out of the bottom four for the first time this season with a 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers at St. Mary's.

The first ever meeting between the two sides was settled by Rickie Lambert's goal just before half time. His strike proved decisive in a match which wasn't one for the purists, but provided another very welcome three points for Alan Pardew's side in another game played in appalling weather conditions.

Saints: Bialkowski, Murty, Jaidi, Perry, Harding, James (Wotton 78), Hammond, Schneiderlin (Mellis 88), Papa Waigo (Antonio 63), Lallana, Lambert. Subs (not used): Forecast, Mills, Thomas, Trotman.

Wycombe: Shearer, Hunt, Woodman, Duberry, Oliver, Westlake (Phillips 58), Doherty, Mousinho (Davies 63), Beavon (Akinde 56), Betsy, Harrold. Subs (not used): Young, Green, Pittman, Spence.

Referee: Mr. D. Whitestone

Attendance: 16,402 (including 679 away)

A cagey opening to the game was more memorable for its misplaced passes from both sides before Adam Lallana got the first shot away in the 12th minute. The midfielder firmly struck Dean Hammond's knock down towards goal from the left hand side, forcing 'keeper Scott Shearer into a low save.

Lambert's industry behind the defenders almost saw him break through on a few early occasions but the striker was unable to get any clear sights of the Wanderers net.

The home crowd tried their best to spark the match into life but it was the visitors who caused a nervous moment at the other end as Kevin Betsy's low cross was hooked clear by Chris Perry.

Lallana's rasping effort on 27th minutes flew narrowly wide as Saints sprung into life. Moments later, a fantastic passing move started by Lloyd James and Papa Waigo inside their own half ended up back with the pair, as Waigo connected to James' centre but the forward's outstretched volley from the Welshman's cross went over the bar.

The match slipped back into its earlier pattern before Saints went close from a corner on the right which needed two players to head the ball from the line.

Two minutes later. Alan Pardew's side finally broke the deadlock as Papa Waigo collected a lofted ball forward and played the ball square to Lambert who crashed a shot home into the bottom corner as he slid in from ten yards out.

Saints had to be alert at the other end straight after the re-start though as Perry blocked off Stuart Beavon's effort as he broke in behind Jaidi.

The earlier goal had brought the game to life, but the match remained close going into the interval.

Half Time: Saints 1-0 Wycombe

A downpour from half time ensured that both teams were greeted by rainswept conditions after the break, but it didn't halt Saints from making a bright start to the new half.

Papa Waigo almost met Lloyd James' low cross and then Lambert fired wide on the volley after taking down a high ball on his chest as he lined up the shot, which just crept wide of the post.

Chairboys' defender Luke Oliver found his way into the book for a foul on Bialkowski as he took a goal kick, but Saints were soon back on the offensive.

Waigo nodded the ball down for Lambert whose sweetly struck shot was beaten away by Shearer and James couldn't quite reach the follow up as the hosts looked to extend their lead.

The home side were comfortably soaking up some pressure from the visitors as Wanderers made all three substitutions available to them which preceded Michail Antonio's introduction for Papa Waigo.

The conditions had now become more blustery with Saints finding themselves kicking into the wind, but that didn't deny another fine move from the right hand side which culminated in Lallana having a shot well kept out by the 'keeper.

Substitute Scott Davies spotted an opportunity which caused Bialkowski to take evasive action as his long range effort swerved in the wind on 70 minutes.

Two minutes later, Hammond picked up his fourth booking of the season for a foul on Davies as the visitors turned up the heat once more.

The game then swung back down the other end with Antonio's mesmerising run eventually halted inside the area and further attempts from Lambert, Lallana and Hammond seemed as though another goal was out of the question, with Shearer making a smart save from Lallana in particular.

Antonio became the second Saint to be cautioned as he continued to play after the referee had blown for an earlier infringement inside the visitors' area.

Inside the last ten minutes of play, Antonio almost delivered a goal that would have settled the game early as he collected Lambert knock on before shooting over from 12 yards.

A nervy ending was set up as four additional minutes appeared. Jacob Mellis replaced Schneiderlin as the wait for the whistle continued, but Saints held out to secure three points.

Full Time: Saints 1-0 Wycombe