SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — Southampton’s faint top four Premier League hopes were given a boost as James Ward-Prowse and Graziano Pelle ended goal droughts in a 2-0 victory against relegation-threatened Hull on Saturday.
The Saints went ahead through Ward-Prowse’s penalty in the 56th after Alex Bruce fouled former City teammate Shane Long. Hull goalkeeper Steve Harper was unable to stop Ward-Prowse’s venomous strike into the top right-hand corner for his first goal for the club in all competitions since 2012.
A late strike by Pelle in the 81st secured Southampton a hard-fought win, taking the team provisionally fifth and level with last year’s best-ever Premier League points tally of 56. It was Pelle’s first league goal since Dec. 20.
Hull’s sixth straight loss to Southampton leaves Steve Bruce’s side worryingly close to the relegation zone.
