Saints’ Championship campaign has received a huge boost - without Nigel Adkins’ team kicking a ball.

Brighton, Derby and West Ham could all have knocked Saints off the top of the table tonight but all three suffered disappointing results.

Brighton suffered a shock 3-1 home reverse to Crystal Palace, while Derby could only draw 1-1 at home to Barnsley.

West Ham, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 by Ipswich at Upton Park.

Middlesbrough, who are third in the table, host Leicester tomorrow night while Saints visit Cardiff.

For the best Cardiff v Saints preview news, don’t miss tomorrow’s Daily Echo.