SAINTS manager Russell Martin pinpointed the 2-2 draw with Preston as the only game his side "got a bit more" than they deserved during the unbeaten run.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu attacked a 96th-minute corner to force Ched Evans into scoring an own goal to level the tie.

Kyle Walker-Peters had opened the scoring before a quickfire double after the break put the home team on course for three points.

That result was the fifth game in a now 20-match Championship unbeaten run - and Martin insists they could have had even more points. 

Speaking in a new interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Martin said:  "I am a pretty positive person

"I am aware of what it has taken for the players to achieve what they have achieved so far.

"However, we have had a couple of draws that we should have converted into wins during this run.

"We also had a draw at Preston which is the only game I perhaps feel like we got a bit more than we deserved. 

"Gavin Bazunu had to go up and head the ball in, in the 95th minute or whatever," he explained. 

"Even in those frustrating moments, we have had to learn. It's been a brilliant source of learning for us and for the players to learn.

"At the start of the season, I tried to make the players aware of all the good stuff they had done despite the fact they were relegated. 

"Ralph Hasenhuttl did a lot of brilliant work against the ball over his four years. We wanted to come in and implement some stuff in possession.

"They have been known for being relentless against the ball and out of possession and we didn't want to change that either, just to enhance it. 

"The players get a lot of plaudits for what they do with the ball but they also press relentlessly and work hard for each other, you can't have the ball without it."

Martin, named in the Championship team of the week for Southampton's 3-1 win at Swansea City, has taken a lot of plaudits.

The 38 year old has been nominated for each of the last three manager of the month awards in the second division. 

He takes confidence from his success so far at Saints and insists sticking to his guns, even during a run of four defeats, has played its part. 

Martin said: "I think I get called stubborn a lot and I am aware of that but I believe so much in the work we do and what we have done for four years.

"We have had teams in different situations and now we have come to a team that has amazing players for the level and an expectation to win.

"We believe in something and it has got us this far. I have had lots of chats with people who have challenged me - family and staff I have worked with.

"I had one chat with my brother after a game where he questioned if I was being too stubborn because he had read social media and all that stuff.

"I said to all of them that it is my stubbornness that has got us this far, so far. If I now back down or show fear to the players, it's game over.

"I don't see any way back from that. When you really believe in something and work so hard on it, with all your energy, care, respect and love, you don't lose faith in that.

"I spent so long learning everything I have got and I said that when I get a manager's job I would do it this way and see how far it goes."