SAINTS boss Russell Martin insisted his side "were every bit as good" as second-place Brighton in the second half of their 1-1 draw at Amex Stadium.

The result marked the first time Saints had won a point after going behind in a Premier League match this season and is only their fifth point on the board.

A disallowed winner means Saints remain bottom of the table and four points from safety after 13 matches, with all the other sides boasting a game in hand. 

But it could be priceless confidence and motivation for Martin's side, who had been beaten by a single goal last time out against league leaders Liverpool.

Assessing the performance, Martin said: "I think we had good moments in the first half but not enough. We were a little bit passive once we conceded the goal.

"I understand when we're in a position we're in. We just made it a bit more difficult for ourselves. Didn't take the ball in duels and didn't smooth the game out.

"It was just a bit tentative really, out of position, not enough contact made. We showed a few clips at half-time and asked them for a bit more aggression.

"We wanted more belief in what they're doing and they showed that so I'm really proud of them for that. It was a tough place to come, a team that's gone second.

"We were so good. I thought in the second half we were really good. We scored two brilliant goals and one's been disallowed.

"We went toe-to-toe with them and were every bit as good as them in the second half. I'm proud and hopefully, the players will take a lot of belief."

Saints are back in Premier League action with a growing list of unavailable players on Wednesday, December 4, when Chelsea visit St Mary's.