SAINTS boss Russell Martin insisted he has "never stopped believing" after his side scored a 99th-minute winner to keep themselves in the Championship promotion race.

Flynn Downes scored deep into added time to earn Martin's men a crucial three points over Watford after Saints had given up a 2-0 lead at St Mary's.

With Leicester City, Leeds United and Ipswich Town all dropping points this weekend, Saints were presented with an opportunity. 

Martin was "frustrated" his side let the Hornets back into the game but insisted he was pleased with the character shown.

He said: "It was an amazing start. We played some brilliant football, there was running, energy and then we came off it and I don’t know why.

"It’s happened too many times this season. We can’t afford that. The feeling at the end is amazing but it just shouldn’t be like that.

"Watford are playing with freedom, and they are playing for Tom (Cleverley). They’ve got a lot of good players, but we came off it. We can’t afford to and we do it too much.

"I’m frustrated about some of it. I’m really pleased with the character, grit, and willingness to win, but you can’t concede two goals at home after being 2-0 up. We have to stop that nonsense."

The result means Saints are now seven points behind second-placed Leicester with a game in hand but eight points adrift of leaders Ipswich Town with two games in hand.

Martin's side have to go to Leicester and Leeds United in their run-in with the possibility of Premier League promotion still on the cards.

The former Scotland international continued: "Unfortunately for us, we’re not in the top two.

"We’re fighting and chasing for everything we have. We had some brilliant opportunities. I’ve never stopped believing in the group of players we have."

"It’s a good day for us in the end with the results elsewhere. I’m pleased we got over the line. I’m frustrated with how long it took and what it took but I’m really pleased we won.

"Even in the second half, there were some really good passages of play, but we got too anxious to score too quickly. It then opened the game up for Watford who are fantastic in transition."

Will Smallbone had scored Southampton's quickest goal of the season when he headed in Adam Armstrong's cross after only 57 seconds.

Che Adams doubled the advantage but Watford fought back through Ryan Porteous and Ismael Kone to threaten a point.

Saints host playoff-chasing Preston North End on Tuesday before they travel to Cardiff City on Saturday, April 20.