Tonda Eckert says Southampton's victory over Portsmouth "means everything" after the Saints put their off-field distractions behind them to claim local bragging rights.

James Bree scored the only goal at St. Mary's Stadium, tucking away from Finn Azaz's cross in the 20th minute as the hosts came out on top in the South Coast derby.

That was despite Southampton playing the entire second half with 10 men, following Cameron Bragg's red card for a second bookable offence in the 44th minute.

Victory came at the end of a week in which Eckert received a suspended six-week ban from all football activity for his role in last season's 'Spygate' scandal. 

"It means everything," the Saints boss told Sky Sports. "We had to dig deep, probably a lot deeper than we thought before the game. Credit to the boys because they deserve that.

"[The red card] did change the game, to be fair. Not on the scoreline, but the game changes then, and they needed to find different qualities.

"From there, we knew we had to defend, and I think we did that excellently. You probably look back at the end of the season and say this is the game that gave us a big push."

HAMPSHIRE IS OURS https://t.co/s5Qz2zt2u1

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 11, 2026

Meanwhile, Bree and Flynn Downes highlighted the importance of the victory, in spite of Eckert's punishment weighing "large on everyone".

"The news about the gaffer was positive for us," Bree said. "It just pushed us on this week, and we knew it was going to be a big game.

"It made it harder going down to 10 men, but we spoke all week about getting a clean sheet and digging in. The boys did that unbelievably."

"We've been desperate for a clean sheet and a win, and we've got both, so it's a good day at the office," Downes added.

"Everyone knows what it means to win a derby. Playing in these games is what you dream of as a kid, so to come out on the right side is always good.

"[Eckert's punishment] weighed large on everyone at the club. It's a clean slate now. We've got a fresh block of games, and hopefully we can carry on winning."

Southampton moved up to 11th in the Championship, having got back to winning ways after losing 2-1 to Wrexham before the international break.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, stay 19th after stretching their winless streak to three matches (D2 L1).