STEVE Wigley was able to salvage one positive from the defeat at Norwich - a return to the scoresheet for James Beattie.

Saints' top scorer for the past two seasons fired home a superb 25- yard effort to put his side into the lead and looked much more like his old self throughout.

Despite being starved of decent service, Beattie had an added zip to his play and was hungry for the ball - qualities Saints are going to need if they are to haul themselves out of trouble.

Wigley said: "I would think that every game from here on in, he will feel better as he's getting fitter.

"He had the five weeks of not playing and is still having to have the jab in his toe to play, but he's got himself a goal.

"It was a James Beattie goal. In a position that doesn't look dangerous and he puts it in the back of the net - that's what he's good at.

"James is a goalscorer and goals win games and get you points - and we need to score as many as possible at the minute.

"Our defending just hasn't been as good as it was three or four weeks ago and that's what's been disappointing.

"When we did have lots of players out, we worked very defensively and limited opportunities. But, other than against Portsmouth, we have leaked a goal where we shouldn't have done."