HARRY Redknapp recorded his first Premiership win as Saints boss with a wonderful 2-0 triumph over Liverpool at St Mary's this afternoon.

Playing in front of a delighted season-best St Mary's crowd of 32,017, Saints produced comfortably their best performance of the campaign to clinch three vital points and only a third victory of the season.

First-half goals from David Prutton and Peter Crouch proved decisive in what was Redknapp's eighth league match since replacing Steve Wigley.

Boss Redknapp's tactics worked to perfection with Crouch, who scored in his third consecutive game, spearheading the attack as a lone striker ahead of a midfield three of Rory Delap, Jamie Redknapp and Prutton.

The first came on five minutes when Prutton linked up with Crouch and finished past Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek from a tight angle.

Crouch then doubled the lead on 22 minutes when he headed home Prutton's inch-perfect cross.

"It was a big result for us," said Redknapp.

"We need to keep it going. If we keep playing with that enthusiasm we have got a chance. It was always great to get a clean sheet."

As well as a first league victory as Southampton manager, it was also Redknapp's first win at St Mary's, having previously lost three times as Portsmouth boss.

Saints 2 - Liverpool 0