Billy Davies left St Mary's a proud man as his side equalled a 124-year club record by chalking up their 22nd consecutive league game unbeaten.

Preston held Southampton to a 0-0 draw to equal the "Invincibles" team of the 1888-89 season, in which the Lancashire club won the inaugural Football League title by completing the 22-game league campaign without defeat.

Davies admitted he owed a great debt of gratitude to his goalkeeper and defenders as Carlo Nash produced a string of fine saves to thwart Saints, in particular Poland striker Grzegorz Rasiak on his home debut.

Davies said: "I wasn't pleased with the first-half performance but in the second period we had a lot more possession and had some good chances against a team who looked to be picking up momentum.

"It was a much, much better 45 minutes and there was some wonderful performances especially from my 'keeper and the two centre-halves. We've equalled the club record and I'm delighted for the whole team."

Nash's first and perhaps best save of the night came on 26 minutes as the former Manchester City goalkeeper somehow clawed out Rasiak's header when the Pole seemed certain to open his account from five yards.