Saints secured their first win of pre-season with a 3-0 victory over FC Groningen.

Both Ronald and Erwin Koeman were going back to their hometown club, while Dusan Tadic returned to the side he played for earlier in his career.

Tadic was to have a major impact on the game as a strong Saints side got the tour to Holland underway in style.

Saints were in total control from the start and came close several times in the opening stages.

Maya Yoshida and Shane Long put headers wide before the latter was denied by Groningen keeper Sergio Padt.

The pressure continued to build as Sadio Mane fired just wide before Victor Wanyama went closer still, heading Steven Davis’ cross against the bar.

Saints did break the deadlock from a set piece on 24 minutes as Tadic’s outswinging left wing corner was headed home by Jose Fonte from six yards out.

The nearest Groningen came in the first half was two efforts from Mimoun Mahi, both of which were saved by Paulo Gazzaniga.

Jordy Clasie came on at half time for his Saints bow and it took just seven minutes for Saints to double their lead.

Good interplay down the right between Cedric Soares and Tadic ended with a perfect cutback to Mane who had the relatively simple task of sidefooting home from eight yards out.

It was 3-0 on 72 minutes as some great skill from Tadic was followed by a defence splitting pass that allowed Graziano Pelle the chance to finish.

Gazzaniga did have a couple of further second half saves to make but Saints were good value for their first win of pre-season, which would have been by a more comfortable margin had Fonte and Pelle not had late chances cleared off the line.

Saints now have two clear days of training and recovery before facing KVV Quick on Tuesday night. They round off the tour to Holland with a prestige friendly against Feyenoord on Thursday.

Saints: Gazzaniga, Martina, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett (Soares 45), Wanyama (Reed 82), S Davis (Clasie 45), Juanmi (Ward-Prowse 45), Mane (Rodriguez 67), Tadic (McQueen 74), Long (Pelle 67).