RUSSELL Martin's Red Army marched onwards in their Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win at QPR. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored the only goal of the game just before half-time to earn his side three points at Loftus Road. 

Saints were reduced to 10 men when substitute Shea Charles was given a second yellow card for stopping an opposition counter. 

Here is how we rated every Southampton player’s performance as they did the double over QPR - the first team they have played twice this season... 

Gavin Bazunu - 7.

Confident command of his box in the opening exchanges - although he was sent flying by Chair's attempted lob. No real questions asked of him but no issues.

James Bree - 6.

Chair caused a lot of problems down his side but, for the most part, Bree dealt with it. Was forced off after half an hour with an injury.

Jan Bednarek - 7.

Couple of erratic moments as Saints soaked up pressure to start the match but was vocal in trying to rally the troops. Helped towards sixth clean sheet.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8.

Similarly to Bednarek, a couple moments of panic at the back but managed to avoid being overrun. Right place to give Saints the lead at the back-post. Another good show.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 7.

Quieter first half but upped the intensity after the break, taking players on and keeping attacks alive. Excellent impact in this period. No complaints.

Flynn Downes - 6. 

Did nothing offensively wrong but midfield lacked the control needed - the team's defending was done on the edge of the box or inside. Replaced before the hour mark.

Will Smallbone - 6. 

Struggled early on with QPR constantly beating the midfield. Denied a penalty after a strong Kenneth Paah sliding challenge in the box. Replaced before the hour mark.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Started the game slowly - got away with one nervy touch in the Saints area. Involved in a bit of a spat with Elijah Dixon-Bonner. Played another 90 minutes and improved as the game went on. 

Stuart Armstrong - 7.

Started quietly but creative sparks were coming from him by half-time. Had a couple of shots from a good area across the goal. Good numbers in possession and duels. 

Sam Edozie - 6. 

First telling contribution was defensive, cutting out a dangerous Chair ball that swept across the goal. Quiet afternoon after goals in his last two and replaced before the hour mark. 

Adam Armstrong - 7.

Struggled to get into the game but got the all-important touch to assist Harwood-Bellis for the opener. Good work ethic again but replaced in the closing stages.

Substitutes 

Ryan Manning - 7. 

Immediately involved in a slick move that led to a penalty shout after replacing Bree on 30'. His free-kick was knocked on for the opening goal. Good performance. 

Shea Charles - 5.

Booked for a foul on the edge of the area and had a shot from a dangerous range easily saved. Then sent off for stopping a counter - probably had to do it. 

Ryan Fraser - 7.

Exploded down the left to play in Charles for a good chance early after coming on with more than 30 minutes to play. Quieter towards the closing stages..

Che Adams - 6. 

Great work-rate, made things happen and booked for getting stuck in in the midfield soon after coming on and blew a big chance to square it to Armstrong entering the final 10 minutes and missed a one-on-one. 

Jack Stephens - N/A

Returned for his second appearance of the season since injury with four minutes regulation time left. Not enough time to make an impact in the game.