Sheff Wed 0-1 Southampton

Jo Tessem secured the points for Southampton in a stuttering relegation clash against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The Norwegian full-back diverted Matthew Oakley's right-wing cross past Pavel Srnicek to subject Wednesday, nine points behind the visitors at the start of play, to another fruitless day.

The visitors struck most of the early blows and started the brighter of the sides with Matthew Oakley firing over inside the first minute.

Wednesday, denied the services of influential Dutchman Wim Jonk because of a groin injury, employed youngsters Steven Haslam and Alan Quinn in the centre of midfield.

The inexperienced duo were over-run early on and Oakley and Jo Tessem both missed further chances.

Andy Hinchcliffe took the ball off Oakley's toe after the Saints midfielder burst into the box in the fifth minute, at the expense of a corner. And from the set-piece, a mix-up presented Tessem with a one-on-one chance against Pavel Srnicek.

Niclas Alexandersson burst through the Saints rearguard on 11 minutes but his shot was held comfortably by Paul Jones.

Jones produced another save six minutes later, tipping Andy Hinchcliffe's 20-yard free-kick over the bar, after Gilles De Bilde was body-checked by Francis Benali.

But the home side were pinned back by Southampton's incessant raids and the finally paid off in the 26th minute when Oakley's cross was met by the outstretched leg of Tessem and looped over Srnicek from eight yards.

Two minutes later, Wednesday should have been on level terms after De Bilde was brought down by Jones in the area.

But the striker's spot-kick was superbly turned round the post by the Welsh international.

Wednesday pick up the pace

After the break, Wednesday looked more forceful and Danny Sonner - who replaced Rudi - came close with a well timed volley which sailed over the crossbar.

Tessem missed a golden opportunity to put Saints further ahead when he dragged his shot across the face of the goal.

In what was a fractious second period, Southampton looked dangerous on the break, even if Wednesday were controlling the pace of the game.

Midway through the half, Sonner shot well wide to the dismay of the home fans.

It was Wednesday's first chance of the half, despite the majority of the possession.

Kachloul could have wrapped it up on the half hour, but his header was directed straight at Srnicek.

Minutes later, Hinchcliffe came close for Wednesday, but could not reach Sonners cross with an open net in front.

The home side picked up the pace in an attempt to find a late equaliser, but Saints defended resolutely to leave Wednesday staring at their sixth successive Premiership defeat.

Teams:

Sheff Wed: Srnicek, Nolan, Atherton, Walker, Hinchcliffe, Alexandersson, Haslam, Quinn, Rudi, Sibon, De Bilde. Subs: Pressman, Sonner, Booth, Cresswell, Donnelly.

Southampton: Jones, Colleter, Dodd, Richards, Benali, Tessem, Oakley, Marsden, Kachloul, Pahars, Davies. Subs: Lundekvam, Hughes, Moss, Soltvedt, Boa Morte.

Referee: A Wiley (Walsall)