Rickie Lambert enhanced his claims for a place in England's World Cup squad with a spectacular opener in Southampton's 2-2 draw with Stoke City at St Mary's.
Blustery conditions made Saturday's encounter a battle of wills, with the odd sudden downpour making life even tougher for both sides.
Southampton started brightly and went ahead after six minutes thanks to a stunning free-kick from Lambert.
Adam Lallana's attempted cross was handled by Charlie Adam, who conceded a free-kick on the left-hand edge of the box.
With the wind swirling and rain lashing down, Lambert curled a thunderous free-kick into the top right corner past the outstretched arm of Asmir Begović.
The stunning strike was Lambert's third goal in four games against Stoke, having also scored in the corresponding fixture at the end of last season.
Peter Odemwingie equalised for Stoke on 38 minutes before Steven Davis put Southampton ahead three minutes later, only for Peter Crouch drew the visitors level just before half-time.
"To be fair he was taking them from there in training yesterday and he was scoring more than he missed," Davis commented on Lambert's goal in Saints Player.
"He's full of confidence and he's shown that today when he's stepped up, it was a difficult angle, but he got it spot on."
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| Southampton player Rickie Lambert scores his team's opening goal against Stoke from a free-kick Photo: Facebook/southamptonfc |
Blustery conditions made Saturday's encounter a battle of wills, with the odd sudden downpour making life even tougher for both sides.
Southampton started brightly and went ahead after six minutes thanks to a stunning free-kick from Lambert.
Adam Lallana's attempted cross was handled by Charlie Adam, who conceded a free-kick on the left-hand edge of the box.
With the wind swirling and rain lashing down, Lambert curled a thunderous free-kick into the top right corner past the outstretched arm of Asmir Begović.
The stunning strike was Lambert's third goal in four games against Stoke, having also scored in the corresponding fixture at the end of last season.
Peter Odemwingie equalised for Stoke on 38 minutes before Steven Davis put Southampton ahead three minutes later, only for Peter Crouch drew the visitors level just before half-time.
"To be fair he was taking them from there in training yesterday and he was scoring more than he missed," Davis commented on Lambert's goal in Saints Player.
"He's full of confidence and he's shown that today when he's stepped up, it was a difficult angle, but he got it spot on."
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