Sheffield United failed to bounce back from the weekend's derby day defeat as Championship strugglers Southampton held them to a goalless draw.
Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was in inspired form while substitute Anthony Stokes saw a header cleared off the line and a goal disallowed for offside.
Southampton also had defender Oliver Lancashire sent off for a second bookable offence late in the game.
Bradley Wright-Phillips missed the Saints' best chance in the first half.
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell:
"I feel for the lads - you sometimes need a break of the ball or a decision that comes your way and for some reason its not happening.
"But considering it's 48 hours after the Sheffield derby I thought they put in a terrific performance.
"I thought they ran Southampton ragged and I'm really pleased overall with their response."
Southampton manager Jan Poortvliet:
"I am very pleased. We lost 3-0 on Saturday because of set-pieces but today we have a clean sheet and I am proud of that.
"In the first half we played very well and had chances to score.
"It was difficult in the second half and we didn't play as we could in the first half, but I have to give credit to Sheffield United for that."
Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Cotterill (Spring 46), Speed (Stokes 46), Howard, Quinn, Beattie, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Jihai, Montgomery, Sharp.
Booked: Webber.
Southampton: Davis, Cork, Perry, Lancashire, Skacel, Lallana, Surman, Gillett, John (Wotton 88), Wright-Phillips (James 77), Mills (McGoldrick 68).
Subs Not Used: Forecast, Paterson.
Sent Off: Lancashire (88).
Booked: Lancashire.
Att: 25,642
Ref: Clive Oliver (Northumberland).
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