DEFENDER James Bree admitted his goalscoring streak in the Carabao Cup has been "unreal on a personal note" after bagging another late winner.

Bree scored the winning goal against Cardiff City in the second round, cracking home a stunner in the 91st minute before Cameron Archer rubber-stamped the victory.

The former Luton Town defender then scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against Everton in the third round at Goodison Park.

He kept his streak of game-winning goals going at St Mary's when he fired an 88th-minute winner against Stoke City on Tuesday evening.

"I've done it again, Bree smiled. "There's something about the cup this year for me, I'm just really enjoying it.

Southampton v Stoke City Carabao Cup match at St Mary’s Stadium.Southampton v Stoke City Carabao Cup match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin) "Obviously, it's nice to pop up with a goal. One of the most important things is getting the result at the end of the day.

"I think the performance wasn't quite there after what was a really good first half from us. A couple of sloppy moments, but I think overall we're just happy with the win."

He added: "I do it in training every now and again, they pop up, but I don't know. I've just been lucky so far this season.

"I think I've had more goals this year than the rest of my career, or at least equalled it. It's been unreal on a personal note, but hopefully, I can pop up with a few more in the season."

Asked which of his match-winning goals is his favourite, Bree said: "Probably this one because it means that we're going on to the next round.

"Obviously, the Cardiff goal I was really happy with. Scoring the penalty is always nice, but today's the biggest one of the three, I think.

Southampton required Bree's late winner because they blew a two-goal lead for the second consecutive home game.

Ashley Phillips scored from a poorly defended set-piece on the stroke of half-time before Saints were punished for losing the ball at the start of the second half. 

"It's just about staying disciplined," Bree explained. "I think it was a giveaway, a little cheap free kick, and then just being a bit sloppy on the ball.

"It gives them a chance just before the end of the first half. Before that, we were so dominant. If that doesn't happen, we go into half-time 2-0.

"I think we can creep through the rest of the game. As I said, it was just a sloppy moment that we need to cut out, and I think we'll be absolutely fine."