STEVE WIGLEY enjoyed a first win at the fifth attempt as head coach last night and hailed a "good, convincing" display.

Saints eventually ran out 3-0 winners against Northampton in the Carling Cup with goals from Kevin Phillips, David Prutton and Neil McCann.

But their Division Two opponents provided an early test, before the superior quality and fitness of Saints eventually shone through.

"It's important for the club and it's a competition we want to make progress in," said Wigley.

"It was a good, convincing performance. One or two people have got a game under their belts who haven't started this season.

"I'm pleased - a clean sheet and three very good goals."

Wigley expected Northampton to come out with all guns blazing, but was always confident once Saints got ahead after surviving a few decent chances.

"It went as we thought it would," he said.

"The first ten minutes were a bit turbulent, they were in our face, they got a good opportunity. Fortunately they didn't take it.

"It was a good finish from Kevin and when David hit the wonder goal that really quietened them down.

"We were fairly comfortable winners. I expected my team to perform well and work hard.

"If they did that I thought they would win and it worked out as I thought it would, even though it was a potential banana skin.

"It was a game we were expected to win, so what we have done is what was expected."

Wigley selected what was virtually a full strength team and was well aware of the dangers that Northampton posed.

He said: "We have afforded Northampton exactly the same respect as we will Fulham on Saturday.

"We have had them watched three times. It doesn't matter who you play, you treat them with the same respect and thankfully we got the result."

Despite the slow league start to the season, Wigley is happy with the way his team have performed in recent matches.

"We've played well in the last three games and should have got more than we have done, but we haven't," he said.

"It's not as if we have been having poor performances.

"I have reviewed all the games, we have had a lot of possession, we have moved the ball and the lads have showed the attitude is right.

"What we need is a bit if luck and a little more quality in the final third."