Three points were imperative if Saints were to hold realistic hope of remaining in the race for the Champions League places, and goals from James Ward-Prowse and Graziano Pelle ensured that they kept the pressure on Manchester City in fourth.

James Ward-Prowse of Southampton scores from a penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Hull City at St Mary's Stadium on April 11, 2015 © Getty Images

Southampton started brightly with Shane Long being denied by Steve Harper after just two minutes, but Hull provided an immediate response through Sone Aluko, who narrowly missed the corner with a well-struck shot.

Aluko, who had been recalled to the starting lineup, was looking dangerous and his pace created another opening for himself before he fired at Kelvin Davis.

Southampton had been quiet but after 20 minutes, they should have scored when Pelle was provided with a header inside the penalty area but Harper pulled off a superb stop.

Back came Hull though, with the impressive Aluko curling wide of the post before Stephen Quinn volleyed into the ground in a good position.

Southampton improved at the start of the second half and 10 minutes after the restart, they won a penalty after Alex Bruce fouled Long inside the box to leave Ward-Prowse to confidently dispatch the spot kick.

Hull almost hit straight back through James Chester, whose header was cleared off the line by Ryan Bertrand, before back up the other end, Pelle's shot was deflected straight at Harper.

However, with nine minutes left, Pelle had his goal, being in the right place at the right time to tap home a pull-back from Morgan Schneiderlin to leave Hull just two points above the relegation zone.