With 35 minutes on the clock, things couldn’t have been going any better for Southampton.

Two goals ahead against Championship side Stoke in a last 16 Carabao Cup tie, it seemed like a much-needed victory was on the cards.

However, Stoke scored twice to bring the home side back down to earth and they Million Manhoef almost bundled the ball across the line to give Stoke a late lead but Sugawara slid in on the line to produce a vital interception.

Minutes later, James Bree scored the winner to send Southampton through to the quarter-finals of the competiton.

The crowd would have been fearing the worst after their last home match when they were 2-0 up against Leicester City and went on to lose 3-2 but this time they managed to hang on.

It is Southampton’s first win in any competition since they beat Everton 6-5 on penalties in the third round last month and Martin will hope it gives his side confidence before they face Sean Dyche’s team again at the weekend.