SOUTHAMPTON was in party mood last night after Saints marched on in their magical FA Cup run.

Two second half goals against Wolves put the club into next month's semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1986.

A sell-out crowd at St Mary's Stadium roared Gordon Strachan's side on to victory and just one match away from a dream visit to Cardiff for the final.

Those unlucky enough not to be able to beg, steal or borrow a ticket for yesterday afternoon's game packed into pubs across the city or were glued to the TV at home to cheer them on.

And boozy celebrations and sing-songs continued into the evening, with supporters now confident they can emulate the memorable run of 1976 when Lawrie McMenemy led the club to an historic FA Cup final win over Manchester United.

Football fever had gripped the city for the past three weeks following the defeat of Norwich in the fifth round and various groups have been donning red wigs to show their support in the run-up.

Yesterday it was the turn of hundreds of supporters to go red wig crazy after the Daily Echo handed out the stylish headwear to get the fan-tastic followers in the party spirit.

With two First Division sides also in the semi-finals, many believe they have great chance of going on to lift the cup.

Delighted fan Ian Robinson, who travelled from Brighton to watch the match, said: "It was a reasonable match but I knew it was never going to be easy and we really stepped it up in the second half.

"The right team won and now we'll have to see who we get in the next round. While most people are hoping we avoid Chelsea or Arsenal in the next round, I'd rather we didn't get Sheffield Utd because they are looking dangerous."

Many supporters looking for lucky omens made the point of visiting The Football Shop in Northam Road on the way to the ground to feast their eyes on a display of mementoes from the 1976 final.

Manager Jim Chamberlain said: "Before the match there did seem to be quite a lot of uncertainty from the fans who came in, especially with Dave Jones (the former Saints manager now in charge of Wolves) coming back.

"Everyone seemed quite nervous in case there was going to be a shock result.

"There was a lot of reminiscing going on about 1976 but everyone believes we can go on to Cardiff and win the cup."

Yesterday's victory means another cash bonanza for the club and lifting the trophy at the final in May would lead to a total windfall approaching £10m and entry into Europe next season.

Pubs and social clubs across Southampton also raked in the cash from thirsty fans who raised a glass to the side's win.

Tom Bunting, manager at Northam Social Club, a stone's throw from St Mary's Stadium, let fans view the action on a giant 42-inch screen.

He said: "We took between £5,000 and £6,000 over the bar. It was a great atmosphere and everyone enjoyed it.

"We had about 120 in for the match and about 400 after it had finished. We had to stop people coming in because it was so busy."

Fan James Jetten, 26, from London, said: "I really believe we're going to go on to win it now and I can't wait for Cardiff. I think we can take on anyone this year and win."