Lambert sees off Luton

Southampton were able to see off Luton with a 1-0 victory in their FA Cup third-round clash at St Mary's.

Saints through to fourth round thanks to superb free-kick

Southampton were able to see off non-league Luton with a 1-0 victory in their FA Cup third-round clash at St Mary's. The League One outfit had chances to add further goals to Rickie Lambert's 36th-minute winner but found visiting keeper Kevin Pilkington in inspired form. Pilkington - on-loan from Notts County - had to be at his best to keep out efforts from Adam Lallana, Michail Antonio and a long-range free-kick from Lambert. And when the home side did finally find a way past the stopper they were frustrated by Luton's brave defending, Lambert seeing his header cleared off the line. The striker was to be rewarded for his persistence, though. The £1million signing from Bristol Rovers bagged his 20th goal of the season with a superb 25-yard free-kick. The Hatters launched a second-half fightback in search of an equaliser but former Luton keeper Kelvin Davis was on hand to deny Asa Hall and Claude Gnakpa.