RICHARD Chaplow believes Saints’ performances are worthy of a place in League One’s top two.

The on-loan Preston midfielder scored the third goal in Saturday’s 4-1 romp over Peterborough at St Mary’s.

That victory moved Nigel Adkins’ side back up to sixth in the division, and Chaplow is confident they are heading towards the automatic promotion places.

“Since I’ve been here the performances have definitely warranted a play-off or top two finish, so long may that continue,” he said.

“First and foremost we have to get promoted and if we end up finishing top, then so be it, but our aim is definitely to get automatic promotion.”

Saints have little time to savour Saturday’s victory, though, as they host table-toppers Brighton tomorrow night.

Chaplow revealed that the team is relishing the prospect of building on their momentum from the weekend so quickly.

Although he is expecting a tougher test from the Seagulls than Posh put up, the 25-year-old believes a repeat performance from Saints will seal another valuable three points.

“Brighton’s a big one and they’ll be coming here looking to get a result, so we need to be on the ball, and fingers crossed we can go out and perform again as well as we have done today,” said Chaplow.

“I’m looking forward to it, I’ve had a few derbies myself, and it will be interesting to see what this one brings.

“Fingers crossed, we can end the week as we’ve started it.”

Chaplow is with Saints until December 31, when his emergency loan deal expires.

Having fallen out with Preston boss Darren Ferguson, it would be surprising if he does not work out a more permanent transfer to St Mary’s in January.

Chaplow, who has impressed since linking up with the club for a second spell in his career, insists he is not looking too far ahead.

However, he makes no secret of his desire to become a fully-fledged Saint when the window opens.

“As it stands I’m here until January and we’ll see where it takes us after that,” he said.

“I’ll have to sit down with Nigel and the club to see what can be done, and we’ll talk when that bridge comes.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing since I’ve come here, and it’s a massive club that’s on the rise so I hope to be here if I could and be playing Championship football next season.”

Chaplow’s strike against Peterborough marked the first time he had scored in nearly a year.

His last goal came for Preston, in a 2-0 home win against Plymouth, in the Championship, on December 12 2009.

So he was thrilled to get back on track at the weekend.

“It’s been coming for a while now,” said Chaplow, who had gone 22 games without finding the net.

“I’ve had a few chances since I came here and it’s something that I’m trying to add to my game if I can.”