MANAGER Russell Martin believes his Saints side went “toe to toe” with Leicester City but that a “rubbish start” led to the heavy defeat.

The St Mary’s side fell to a second consecutive hammering in the Championship with the Foxes running out 4-1 winners on Friday.

It followed the 5-0 defeat at Sunderland before the international break, just hours after the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

Goals from Jamie Vardy and Kasey McAteer in the 1st and 18th minutes saw Saints two goals down before Wilfred Ndidi and Stephy Mavididi ensured Sam Edozie’s second career strike meant nothing.

Speaking after the match, Martin told the Daily Echo: “It was very different to the Sunderland game.

“The only similarity is that we started the game really poorly again and we put ourselves in a tough position.

“We reacted brilliantly but when they stole the ball from us they punished us, and we stole it from them relentlessly but didn’t punish them.

“They were really clinical and we weren’t. I don’t think there was a huge amount between the teams and I know I’ll get criticised for saying that.

“We went toe to toe with them but we started the game so poorly that we gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We conceded a poor goal after getting back in it.”

The boss continued: “If we cut all that out, with the ball we really hurt them tonight. We played through the press a lot and we had a real threat, but we were two goals down so early on.

“Even in the second half we started really well and forced their goalkeeper into some saves but the difference is they score.

“I’m sure there will be so many overreactions and that sort of stuff but I’m proud of the players for what they gave us for so long in the game.

“We bounced back really well in a tough atmosphere, which I understand completely when you’re two goals down that early at home.

“If we play like that minus the rubbish start and the few mistakes with the ball, we will be more than okay. We’ll get criticised but that’s football, it is a results business.

“We’re on the right path. I know that and the last two results are not going to take away from that for me. We’re learning all the time.

“We gave them two goals because we didn’t start the game well. We haven’t had a settled backline which is difficult, but that’s not an excuse.

“The gameplan with the ball in their half, I thought we were outstanding. We pressed and stole the ball, and they’re a top team at this level so had a couple of moments.

“However, when the ball is in our half, the reaction to transition to defend from playing is not quite there and we have to work on that.”