WHILE Kevin Phillips was putting Pompey to the sword, our very own Super Kev (McMahon) was continuing his assault on the bookies.

The Daily Echo tipster predicted the 2-1 over our fiercest rivals at odds of 8-1 and this took his £10 level stakes profit for the season soaring over the £300 mark.

In the sixteen Saints first team games and three England 2006 World Cup qualifiers that we have previewed, he has forecast nineteen correct scores and nineteen first scorers.

This would have met a total outlay of £380 and has realised a massive return of exactly £730.

A handsome profit of £350, or a clear mark-up of 92 per cent depending on your staking plan.

McMahon explained, "There is no real secret to this except to say that if you intend making a profit over the course of the season, then you shouldn't be afraid to back Saints to lose in certain matches.

"Obviously, we never want to see the team fail but occasionally it does soften the blow if Saints lose.

"Studying the form and keeping an eye on the opposition's injuries and suspensions are vital.

"Frank Lampard has been one of the stars of our betting campaign with two opening goals for England (against Austria and Wales) at double figure odds.

"And the win over Pompey was made that much sweeter as the profit we made paid for a fitting celebration.

"It was also nice to see KP getting the final goal - it could pay to keep an eye on him in the next few weeks."

McMahon, who has always recorded a seasonal profit at the end of his five years predicting scores for the Echo, added: "It would be a bonus if we can finish the season about £500 in profit - that may even pay for next year's season ticket.

"But I am also well aware that a bad run makes a big dent very quickly. To borrow a well-known statement, your investments can go down as well as up."