Southampton hangs on for 1-0 win vs Middlesbrough

Southampton’s Sam McQueen, left, and Middlesbrough’s Calum Chambers battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match at St Mary’s, Southampton, England, Sunday Dec. 11, 2016. (Photo by JOHN WALTON/PA via AP)

SOUTHAMPTON, England — Southampton managed to end a miserable week on a high after holding on to just its second Premier League victory in seven games with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Sofiane Boufal opened the scoring for the home side when he slotted a James Ward-Prowse pass into the top left corner past Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 53rd minute.

It was the first meeting between the sides in the top flight since 2005.

The Saints were swept aside 3-0 by Crystal Palace last weekend before crashing out of the Europa League following a home draw against Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva on Thursday.

The win moves Southampton into 10th in the league while Middlesbrough is 16th, three points clear of the relegation places.