MIDFIELDER Will Smallbone believes Saints have shown positive signs in their first two games but insists they need to get points on the board "as soon as possible."

Southampton followed their opening weekend defeat at Newcastle with another 1-0 loss at home against Forest on Saturday.

Saints once again dominated possession but were unable to provide a real threat in the final third before conceding a "sloppy" goal.

Morgan Gibbs-White scored the winner on 71 minutes in a game which saw Southampton register just one shot from inside the box.

Smallbone revealed his frustration when speaking to the Daily Echo but felt their second-half performance was reason for optimism.

"Coming into the game we really wanted to start fast. The fans brought everything with the energy and the new stand.

"We really wanted to go out and give the fans something to get behind. I think we started slower than we really wanted to.

Boyhood Saints fans Will Smallbone praised fans for their support Boyhood Saints fans Will Smallbone praised fans for their support (Image: Stuart Martin)

"We were a bit taken aback in the first half, but I thought we rode the storm quite well and got to half-time and gave ourselves a real chance.

"I think we were more like us in the second half. I think we were more of a team that would be recognisable from last year.

"It's just frustrating with the way we then put ourselves in that situation in the second half to concede a sloppy goal.

"The second half and last week's game are positive signs for us going forward. There's a long way to go, but we're very aware that we want to get points on the board as soon as possible."

He continued: "I just want to try and be the best version of myself and help the team as best as I can. I think that's all anyone can ask and anyone is doing.

"It's been a long way for me to get here, but now I'm here, I want to make sure I stay here. As a team, we definitely want to make sure we stay here.

Southampton fans unfurled a huge Pride Of The South banner ahead of kick-off Southampton fans unfurled a huge Pride Of The South banner ahead of kick-off (Image: Stuart Martin) ​
"I think there's positive signs in the second half today. I think we need everyone to stick together. The fans - I'm sure they will - the players, the staff, everyone."

Boyhood Saints fan Smallbone was impressed by the reception his side received as they made their return to St Mary's.

A giant banner 'Pride of the South' was unfurled in the new safe-standing Northam Wall end while other sections of the stadium held up coloured cards to create a visual display.

The 24 year old praised the supporters and admitted he hopes Saints can give them something to cheer about in future games.

"It was brilliant," he reflected. "I've obviously been in that situation and sat there watching Premier League games at St Mary's.

"I think coming out, we knew they'd turn up in their numbers, a sell-out opening home game for us.

"With the new safe standing in the Northam stand and kicking towards that in the second half, I think it's brilliant to have a real sense of togetherness. 

"I thought they were brilliant. Hopefully, on another day, we can give them really something to cheer about and keep going."