Les Parry said an 18 minute spell in the second half proved costly for his side as they went down to a 3-0 defeat at Southampton.

The Caretaker Manager told Tranmere Player: "We came in at half time disappointed that we weren't leading. I thought we were the better side in the first half and it looked like a game we weren't going to lose and one that hopefully we were going to nick and win.

"We had chances from a free kick and one from open play, plus a few other half chances. It doesn't sound a lot but it was more than they had, so we edged the first half.

"Then we switched off a bit but it was a good first goal. That puts us one down and it shouldn't be a problem, but for some unknown reason Marlon handled the ball when there was absolutely no need to and that killed us.

"The third one was a disputed free kick - both lads went down holding their heads, but it was a great finish.

"So two great goals and a stupid penalty in the space of 18 minutes undid us."