Saints goalscorer Andrew Surman remains confident his side can turn round a 2-1 deficit against Derby at Pride Park on Tuesday.

Today's disappointing play-off semi-final first leg result has failed to dampen the spirits of Surman, whose stylish seventh-minute opener had given Saints the perfect start.

Steve Howard's brace earned Derby a 2-1 victory but a defiant Surman said: "I think we were unlucky to come out on the losing side but there's still everything to play for in the second leg."

"It was an evenly matched game. Both teams created chances and I felt we had the best of them.

"These occasions are never won in the first game and we can still get a result on Tuesday. We're very confident we can turn it round at Pride Park.

"Our away form has been very good all season and we can take positives out of this game.

"The deficit's only one goal and anything can happen. Confidence and morale is still high in our dressing-room."

But Derby striker Howard believes his side have "taken a step towards the final" after he looped in a 36th-minute header and then stepped up to smash in a 58th-minute winner from the penalty spot after Pele's thoughtless tug on Stephen Pearson.

The double took the former Luton man's tally to 19 for the season but he had failed to score since mid-March and admitted it was a relief to be back among the goals.

He said: "I've been through a bit of a dry patch towards the end of the season and it was nice to get back on the scoresheet in such a big game.

"We always knew we had to come down here and score at least two goals as it was going to be hard against a good side so the penalty was massive.

"I was confident, I haven't missed one this season and it was good to see it hit the net.

"We've got the second leg at home and it will be tough but we have taken a step towards the final."