Charlie Austin celebrated a 'special night' as Southampton kicked off their Europa League campaign with an emphatic win over Sparta Prague.
The Czechs were runners-up in the competition last season, but were second best all over the pitch against a Southampton side with a point to prove.
Austin's double and a late third from Jay Rodriguez provided manager Claude Puel with his first win as Saints boss following the departure of Ronald Koeman.
Austin, who joined Saints from QPR in January, opened the scoring with a controversial penalty after Costa Nhamoinesu was harshly adjudged to have handled while challenging the striker.
Dusan Tadic had to be ushered away after arguing about who should take the penalty but celebrated with Austin whose header made it 2-0 before Rodriguez added a late third.
The former Swindon and Burnley striker, who had scored just one Southampton goal before tonight, said: "I am really pleased to get the two goals, it's a special night for me, but the most important thing is the win.
"It has been a tough start to the season and results haven't gone our way, but hopefully this result and the performance will give us the boost we need going forward."
Puel has endured a frustrating start to his managerial reign at Southampton after two draws and two defeats, including last Saturday's last-minute loss at Arsenal.
But this was a highly satisfactory night for the Frenchman as the Saints secured a comfortable Group K win with Austin, who has started just one league game this season, causing chaos with his pace and accurate finishing.
Dave Smith
Source: DSG
