Jordan Thompson's first-half thunderbolt saw struggling Preston spring a major surprise by overturning Southampton 1-0 at Deepdale.

The victory was Preston manager Graham Alexander's first win in seven attempts since taking over from Paul Heckingbottom at the end of September.

Preston remain bottom of the Championship but it was a result - and a performance - which will rekindle hopes among the North End fan base that the side can turn their season around and stay up.

It was a first defeat in seven matches for a Southampton side whose second-half onslaught came to nothing.

A fired-up Preston pressed hard in the first half and could have taken the lead when Alfie Devine's shot was well stopped by Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Andrew Moran put the rebound over the bar.

North End did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough with Thompson's spectacular left-footed volley from outside the area finding the bottom corner in the 33rd minute - the Northern Irish midfielder's second goal of the season.

Southampton, who were forced into an early change when German centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck fell awkwardly and limped off to be replaced by Zach Abbott, were stung into life and Finn Azaz went close but the home side took a deserved lead into half-time.

Preston could have doubled their lead early in the second half but Thierry Small put the chance wide after being set up by Liam Lindsay's header from a corner.

However it took a great save from goalkeeper Lee Nicholls to keep out Leo Scienza's powerful strike just before the hour mark and maintain North End's lead.

Nicholls also saved well from Azaz as Southampton stepped up their search for an equaliser.

But, despite a late siege, Preston held out to secure what was only their second win of the campaign.

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