Bree had 'feeling' he would score derby goal

James Bree scored the game's only goal as Southampton beat Portsmouth [Getty Images] Southampton defender James Bree said that he had "a feeling" he would score in Sunday's South Coast derby win against Portsmouth. Saints took the lead in the first half thanks to the full-back's darting run into the box that was spotted by Finn Azaz. Bree then took a touch from a looping pass before using the instep of his left boot to slot the ball into the back of the net, running off in celebration. It was his first goal of the season and sixth since joining Southampton in 2023 from Luton Town. "We were joking about it earlier in the week as to who was going to score," Bree told BBC Radio Solent. "I stuck my name into the hat and sometimes you just get a little feeling and I was in the right place at the right time. "I'm buzzing to get the goal but it was a massive win and huge to get a clean sheet which is something that we've been speaking about this week." After Bree's goal, Southampton were able to hold on for victory despite being reduced to 10 men when Cameron Bragg was shown a second yellow card just before the break. The victory moved Tonda Eckert's side up to 11th in the Championship table having started the season on minus four points. The derby was Saints' first match since finding out head coach Eckert had been handed a suspended six-week ban and fined £28,000 by the FA for his role in the Spygate scandal. Bree added it was a relief to him and his team-mates that the German coach was not handed a more severe punishment that could have threatened his job. "The news about the gaffer was so positive for all of us," he added. "We had a meeting as a team after and said that we've started the season okay but we have so many levels to now go up. "Today (Sunday) is a good start and if we can keep growing and building momentum, especially away from home then it'll be massive for all of us." Saints, who are yet to win away from home in the Championship this season, travel to Norwich City on Wednesday.