SAINTS misery continued when they were beaten 1-0 by Stoke City at St Mary's, with the Potters ensuring their safety with the result.

Tyrese Campbell scored the only goal when he drove into the box before firing between Alex McCarthy's legs.

Russell Martin's men have now lost three straight matches with their form looking a concern heading into the play-offs.

The returning Sekou Mara went closest for the home side during the first half but his header was cleared off the line.

Saints boss Martin insisted players who "want to fight for their teammates" will play following the 5-0 defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday.

The former Scotland international made five changes to the side with Jack Stephens, Ryan Fraser, and Mara the notable inclusions in the starting line-up.

A minute of applause was well-observed at St Mary's in the seventh minute for Saints fan CJ Fenna and that was repeated for Bob Gregory in the 81st minute.

It was the visitors that started the brighter and they went close when Campbell's shot was pushed out to Josh Laurent but he could not turn in the rebound.

Saints had their first opportunity midway through the first half when Stephens' clipped pass found Mara - his header, though, was cleared off the line by Luke McNally.

That seemed to spark Saints into life momentarily with Fraser then teeing up David Brooks but his firm strike was parried away by Daniel Iversen.

Stoke deservedly took the lead with 10 minutes of the first half remaining as Campbell drove past Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the box before firing past Alex McCarthy.

Martin's side almost hit back soon after but Fraser's strike from the edge of the area was pushed away by Iversen.

Boos rang out at halftime from the Saints supporters, who were audibly frustrated by the first-half showing.

Jan Bednarek and Joe Aribo entered the fray at the start of the second half with the hosts looking to turn the game around.

A swift counter-attack led to Brooks finding Mara shortly after the interval but his effort was well off-target.

Sam Edozie, who came off the bench during the defeat to Leicester, looked threatening for Saints with Enda Stevens struggling against the 21 year old winger.

McCarthy saved Saints from going two goals behind as he denied Million Manhoef from point-blank range as the visitors upped the ante.

They then had Stephens to thank when Campbell was afforded too much time in the middle of the penalty area but the captain got out quickly to block his shot.

The returning Flynn Downes was introduced in a boost to Saints' hopes for the rest of the season with Che Adams and Adam Armstrong also brought off the bench.

Moments after Kyle Walker-Peters fired over, Manhoef tested McCarthy again but the former England international was equal to it with the game becoming increasingly open.

Downes showed Saints what has missing in recent weeks as his driving run and pass out to Fraser nearly created a goal for Armstrong - but he could not keep his volley down.

Saints were unable to find a breakthrough late on and they will now hope to find some form when they travel to promotion-chasing Leeds United on the final day of the season.

Martin's side will now definitely finish fourth, and they will face the team that finishes fifth - currently Norwich - in the play-offs.

Saints: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis (Bednarek, ht), Stephens, Bree; Charles (Aribo, ht), Smallbone, Fraser; Brooks (Downes, 63), Edozie (A Armstrong, 79), Mara (Adams, 63). 

Unused Subs: Lumley, Manning, Rothwell, Kamaldeen. 

Booked: Stephens, Brooks. 

Stoke City: Iversen; Hoever, Wilmot, McNally, Stevens (Burger, 73); Laurent, Thompson; Manhoef, Cundle (Baker, 84), Bae (Vidigal, 84); Campbell (Ennis, 68). 

Unused Subs: Bonham, Rose, Tchamadeu, Sidibe, Lowe. 

Booked: Cundle. 

Attendance: 30,584. 

Referee: David Webb.

Goals: Campbell 36'.