Southampton 4 Fulham 2
James Beattie bagged a hat-trick as Southampton's stunning comeback wiped out Fulham's 2-0 lead and left the Cottagers shell-shocked.
Beattie hat-trick inspires Saints revival
Southampton 4 Fulham 2: James Beattie bagged a hat-trick as Southampton's stunning comeback wiped out Fulham's 2-0 lead and left the Cottagers shell-shocked.
The Saints were 2-0 down with just 24 minutes on the clock, but roared back with their biggest goals spree since the New Year's Day massacre of Chelsea.
Lee Clark's deflected shot and Steed Malbranque's stunning finish gave Jean Tigana's men a big advantage early on - but Beattie, who had only scored once this season before today, struck from the penalty spot in the 26th minute.
His powerful header levelled at 2-2 after 41 minutes, and another display of aerial dominance after the break by the big front man clinched his treble and put Gordon Strachan's men ahead.
Brett Ormerod swept home number four with 18 minutes left to leave Saints fans rubbing their eyes with disbelief.