Wolves looked to have fallen at the final fence on Grand National Day with another poor performance in front of the Molineux faithful.

Before the game DJ had issued a battle cry for one last push in an effort to preserve our premiership status. The fans duly obliged by once again filling Molineux, many braving the driving rain. The players however seemed unable to grasp the gravity of the situation as they once again made a mediocre side look like world beaters. DJ paired Ganea and Miller up front with the unpredictable Camara playing on the left wing in an attempt to throw everything at the saints. Paul Sturrock opted for a Beattie and Phillips striker combination looking to give Wolves leaky defence another torrid afternoon.

Wolves attacking the goal at the Stan Cullis end made a slow start as both teams contributed to some scrappy opening exchanges. Even under the watchful eye of owner Sir Jack Wolves failed to create any clear cut chances early on.

Saints forced the first real save of the match when Phillips angled drive was palmed wide by Jones. Camara went close on 12 mins but his fierce volley flew just wide. Spurred on by capacity crowd Wolves midfield dynamos Ince and Rae, put in some crunching tackles but still chances failed to materialize. As heavy rain descended on Molineux saints seems to be settling down and looked more comfortable on the ball then the men in Gold and Black.

On 25 mins the south coast side took the lead through James Beattie. Delap chased a hopeful through ball and when Craddock hesitated the ball ran on to Beattie who made no mistake beating Jones with a crisp shot. Wolves 0 Southampton 1.

Another defensive howler by the Wolves back 4. Maybe artist Craddock should try painting in the style of Picasso, 1 dimensional and messy, should match his defensive displays.

A couple of minutes later Wolves were exposed again but Phillips blasted over when clean through. Wolves looked short of imagination and resorted to thumping long balls up field with little success.

Wolves best chance of the half fell to Miller. The Scottish forward met kennedy's free kick but his header failed to hit the target.

For the second home game in succession Wolves were booed off at half time.

Half time Wolves 0 Southampton 1

Cort replaced Ganea in Wolves only half time change. The Romanian's first half attacking on parr with his midweek tackling.

The half started badly for the visitors when Dodd was stretchered off after a foul by Camara. Wolves defence still looked dodgy and Jones caused panic when he missed controlled Craddock's back pass almost letting Beattie in.

Just before the hour the Saints doubled their lead. Lundekvam met an in swinging free kick to poke the ball into the net. Wolves 0 Southampton 2

DJ replaced Miller with Newton allowing Camara to play upfront along side Cort. Wolves looked beaten and the atmosphere around the ground was one of despair as Wolves yet again chased a game. With little under 20 mins left Wolves conjured up a goal from nothing. Cort and Kennedy combined well to release Camara. The enigmatic front man lobbed Niemi to give Wolves a life line.Wolves 1 Southampton 2

Both crowd and players alike were lifted by the goal and now it was Saints turn to feel the pressure. Camara went close on a few occasions and Kennedy's 30 yard volley went desperately close.

The home side steamed forward at every opportunity with Cameron replacing Irwin as Wolves chased the 2nd goal.

Southampton wrapped the game up in the last minute. Phillips broke clear on the counter attack and beat Jones with a neat finish. Wolves 1 Southampton 3

With dejected fans streaming out Phillips grabbed his 2nd goal in injury time. A sloppy pass from Butler allowed the former England man to race clear and beat Jones with an emphatic finish. Wolves 1 Southampton 4

Surely this was one defeat too far for sorry Wolves. The 5 wins needed to survive almost impossible for a team whose confidence is shattered. All we can do now is enjoy what's left of our time in the premiership.

Full time Wolves 1 Southampton 4