Southampton ... 1 Everton ... ... 0 Southampton made such a dubious start at their new St Mary's stadium last season that it might have been renamed St Jude's, amid claims from supporters that it might be cursed.

Last night, though, it was Everton who were cursed by a dubious penalty decision that allowed the Saints, if one can call them that, to claim their first victory of the season.

Their win, at least, deflected attention away from their striker James Beattie, who managed to chauffeur himself to St Mary's after yesterday's court appearance on a drink-driving charge was postponed until tomorrow so that he could prepare for this game.

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan is said to be planning talks with his striker over the incident last Wednesday that led to the charge and Beattie's night in the cells. But there is, of course, Strachan's own ill-discipline. He was banished from his touchline seat after just 27 minutes, which must be something of a record.

Strachan, annoyed by a foul called against Wayne Bridge, strayed into Everton's technical area and was warned to leave by fourth official Steve Dunn. When he refused, referee Steve Bennett had forcible words and Strachan was ushered off the pitch.

David Weir was furious, too, when he was adjudged to have brought down Marian Pahars in the 71st minute and the referee pointed to the spot, confronting his alleged victim before Pahars took the kick himself.

SOUTHAMPTON: Jones, Dodd (Telfer 65), Lundekvam, Williams, Bridge, Fernandes, Anders Svensson (Pahars 56), Marsden, Delap, Beattie, Ormerod (Kanchelskis 56). Subs not used: Niemi, Michael Svensson. Booked: Marsden, Beattie, Pahars. Goals: Pahars 73 pen.

EVERTON: Gerrard, Hibbert, Weir, Weifeng Li, Unsworth (Rodrigo 83), Alexandersson (Rooney 80), Gravesen, Tie Li, Pembridge, Radzinski, Campbell. Subs not used: Watson, Gemmill, Linderoth. Booked: Gravesen, Weir, Weifeng Li.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).