SAINTS boss Russell Martin insisted he is not interested in the scoreline but labelled their 7-1 friendly win over Eastleigh as a "good evening".

The St Mary's side thrashed their non-league neighbours with three goals in the first half and a further four after the break.

An Adam Armstrong brace opened proceedings before Will Smallbone, Sekou Mara, Ryan Manning, Yukinari Sugawara and Charly Alcaraz completed the rout.

Martin, however, was left "annoyed" by the Spitfires goal - scored by Scott Quigley at the back-post of a wide free-kick to make it 3-1.

Speaking after his side's first outing of pre-season, Martin said: "I don't care about the scoreline. I'm annoyed we conceded a goal from a set-piece and all of that.

Saints manager Russell Martin on the touchline during the pre-season friendlySaints manager Russell Martin on the touchline during the pre-season friendly (Image: PA)

"The guys know that but we're two weeks in and I haven't done much work on that, to be honest yet. There will be more important things.

"I'm really happy the new lads are adapting. I'm really happy with the young guys. We've got some really exciting young talent in the club. That was nice to see."

Martin continued: "I've played here at Eastleigh, I've managed here once for MK Dons and I've been here a few times last season. It's a great place to play.

"The pitches are always good, to be honest. It's a really good club. I know a few of the guys, they treat us really well when we come down here.

"Two Saints legends in the dugout as well so it's brilliant to have a connection with them. It's great preparation and hopefully, they found it worthwhile. It's been a good evening."

Armstrong capped off a fine day after he signed a new three-year contract in the morning before bagging a brace on his first game back.

The 27 year old re-enters the Premier League with renewed confidence after he scored 24 goals and registered a further 11 assists last campaign.

Martin insisted: "We love Adam. He's been massive for us. He was number nine tonight but he can play right-left, right-right. He's so versatile. 

"Brilliant character. I think it's important we reward people for doing well and try and avoid as many situations as people going into the last year of the contract as we can."