Wolves 3 Southampton 0
WOLVES enjoyed a Good Friday to remember as they regained their five-point lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship with a convincing victory over troubled Southampton.
Mick McCarthy's charges had the game wrapped up with just 19 minutes on the clock as they raced into a 3-0 lead, and had further chances to add to their tally in a comfortable afternoon.
Sam Vokes headed home the opener inside the first minute before defender Jody Craddock got in on the act shortly after.
David Jones then added a third from the penalty spot to plunge Saints - who are confident of avoiding a 10-point penalty after parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings went into administration - further into the relegation mire.
The pressure was on McCarthy's side after a 2-0 defeat to midlands rivals Birmingham on Monday night saw their advantage at the top cut to just two points.
And despite missing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Chris Iwelumo and Michael Kightly through injury, they made a dream start by taking the lead inside a minute.
Wales striker Vokes, recalled to the starting line-up, forced a corner and then headed the resulting set-piece from Jones into the net - his first goal in nine games.
Things went from bad to worse for the struggling Saints, who went into the game without a win in six matches, when they conceded again five minutes later.
Another Jones delivery landed on the head of Craddock, who steered the ball into the corner of the net to register his first goal since October 2007.
Wolves were flying and went close to making it 3-0 in the ninth minute but Andy Keogh's drive flew just wide.
Southampton had a glimpse of goal in the 13th minute but Marek Saganowski's header drifted harmlessly wide.
