SAINTS need one win from their remaining two matches to make a return to the Championship virtually certain. Nigel Adkins’ men coasted to a 3-0 win at Brentford in a match where they were in total control throughout against a team ravaged by injuries and with nothing left to play for this season. In fact so comfortable was it that for most Saints fans the biggest concern was what was happening at the Withdean Stadium. As it turned out Huddersfield bagged a late winner to defeat Brighton 3-2 so Saints remain second level on points with the Terriers but well ahead on goal difference – leading by 15 - and with their game in hand to come on Monday at Plymouth. That means as long as Saints beat either Plymouth or Walsall then only a dramatic and hugely unlikely late swing in the goal difference column could stop Saints from gaining automatic promotion. David Connolly had a decent chance just 20 seconds into the match as Saints started on the front foot. Guly do Prado pulled the ball back to Richard Chaplow and his cross from the right was met by a clever near post run from Connolly but the striker directed his shot from just inside the six yard box over the bar. There was another presentable opening on five minutes as good work from Dan Harding down the left saw him stand up a cross to the far post. Do Prado met it but could only guide his header over. And incredibly there was a third Saints opening that was put over just two minutes later as this time Adam Lallana stood up a cross from the left by-line that found the header of Lambert six yards out in the centre of goal. Saints got an effort on target on eight minutes but Connolly’s low drive after a tricky run in the box was saved by Simon Moore. Lambert got in another header moments later that looked to be heading into the top corner before Karleigh Osborne headed it clear. Saints had been in total control of the first half and it was no surprise when they eventually made the breakthrough on 16 minutes. Lallana picked up the ball just outside the area on the left, cut across on to his right foot and fired in a shot that beat Moore at his near post for 1-0. Brentford managed their shot of the match – after 27 minutes – but from an acute angle Jeffrey Schlupp fired well wide. However, Saints looked in cruise control and it appeared only a matter of time before they gave themselves a cushion. Brentford on the other looked like a team with nothing to play for and had struggled to get out of their own penalty area, let alone their half. And the inevitable happened on 30 minutes when Saints duly delivered a second goal. It came in slightly bizarre circumstances as a route one punt down the field from Kelvin Davis found its way into the Brentford area. It looked of little danger but without a defender dealing with it Moore came off his line but was beaten to the ball by Connolly who deflected it up in the air and watched it drop in for 2-0. Do Prado was able to play no further part as he limped off to be replaced by Oscar Gobern on 32 minutes. Rickie Lambert tried to put the game beyond doubt before half time with a thunderous free kick that whistled just wide. Davis actually had a save to make on 42 minutes as Lewis Grabban drilled in a low effort from 20 yards that the Saints keeper blocked with his body and gathered at the second attempt. When the half time whistle went Saints had a commanding lead that they didn’t look for one moment as if they would let slip. The early stages of the second half were rather stagnant. Saints knew they had the lead they needed and Brentford just were not able to cause them any problems. The biggest cheer came from the Saints fans when news filtered through that Brighton had equalised against Huddersfield. Saints suddenly did a purple patch and forced Moore into two saves. The first was low down at close range from Connolly after a jinking run in the area by Lallana while the second was to turn wide Chaplow’s 25 yard drive. Lambert kept Moore busy again on 55 minutes with a free kick that was well struck but straight at the Bees keeper. Saints had penalty appeals waved away on 62 minutes when Connolly went down in the box under the challenge of Osborne before the players exchanged angry words and squared up to each other off the ball. Brentford made their first change moments later as Myles Weston replaced Adam Reed. Grabban did make something happen for Brentford with a run and shot but he drilled into the side netting. The Bees were just enjoying a little more of the game and appealed for a penalty when Schlupp went down after a tangle with Jaidi but the referee was unmoved. Saints made their second switch with Ryan Dickson coming on for Harding on 72 minutes. Brentford responded with Luke Hacker replacing Schlupp. Saints had a major scare on 82 minutes when Frazer Richardson tripped Weston just in the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Sam Saunders stepped up to take it and made a great connection but his spot kick thumped against the post and Saints got it clear. Saints made their final change with five minutes remaining as Danny Butterfield came on for Connolly as they looked to see out the game with their clean sheet intact. Brentford though did want a goal and brought on Nathan Byrne for Saunders in a bid to find it and apply a bit of late pressure to Saints. It never looked that likely though and Saints putting the icing on the cake by adding another. Lallana put in a mazy run from the right, looked up and squared the ball across the six yard box to Gobern who had the simple task of side footing into the net for 3-0 and three points that put Saints so close to promotion. Full match report, pictures and all the match reaction in Monday's Daily Echo.