SOUTHAMPTON kept pressure on their automatic promotion rivals with a 3-0 win over Preston North End.

A Che Adams brace and Stuart Armstrong’s fourth goal of the season sealed the points for Russell Martin's side against a poor Preston.

Here is how we rated every Southampton player's performance on Tuesday evening...

Daily Echo: Alex McCarthy was making his first league start of the seasonAlex McCarthy was making his first league start of the season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Alex McCarthy - 6.

Came in for Gavin Bazunu at short notice after the Irish keeper was injured during the warm-up. Looked less comfortable on the ball than his teammate. Spilled the first shot he faced towards the Preston striker. Hardly tested.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 7.

Drew an early yellow card before sending an effort over from the edge of the box. Made continual attacking runs down the right. Held on to the ball brilliantly despite slipping to create a chance for Stuart Armstrong.

Jan Bednarek - 7.

Enjoyed a comfortable evening having returned to the starting lineup for Jack Stephens. Curled an effort wide from the edge of the box in the second half. Completed all but one of his passes.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.

Partnered Bednarek as Saints returned to their most popular back line this season. Dictated play from the centre of defence. Completed all of his long passes. Continues to impress in the Championship.

Ryan Manning - 8.

Returned to the starting lineup as James Bree lost his place, adding more attacking impetus. Created a series of moments with his crossing ability. Set up S Armstrong for his effort that struck the post.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Good driving with the ball to break into the box and lay off for Manning, who went down. Looked comfortable before being replaced by Shea Charles after suffering a kick.

Stuart Armstrong - 8.

Scored Southampton's third with a brilliant curled shot which left Freddie Woodman with no chance. Denied a second when his low effort struck the woodwork while also seeing another attempt blocked. 

Joe Aribo - 7.

Continues to look much better than he did during the first half of the season, but did lose the ball on a few occasions. Replaced by Will Smallbone with 20 minutes left to play.

David Brooks - 7.

Involved in the build-up for Che Adams' opener. Played Adams through for his second of the evening. Was denied Southampton’s fourth by a brilliant Woodman save. Created four chances.

Adam Armstrong - 8.

Delivered a good ball across the box for Adams to have an easy chance to score. Tried to loop one in from 45 yards - landed on the roof. Continues to show why he is more suited to playing out wide.

Daily Echo: Adam Armstrong has now provided 13 assists this seasonAdam Armstrong has now provided 13 assists this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Che Adams - 9.

Opened the scoring with his 100th senior club career goal before grabbing a second just 10 minutes later. Had chances to score his third but was denied by Woodman on two occasions. Has now scored five in his last five (not including the goal attributed to Walker-Peters against Coventry).

Substitutes

Shea Charles - 6.

Came on in place of Downes at halftime. Adapted to the game quickly, allowing his side to keep their levels high. 

Will Smallbone - 6.

Introduced to add more energy as S Armstrong and Aribo tired in midfield. Misplaced a few passes after his introduction.

Joe Rothwell - 6.

Came on alongside Smallbone. His poor pass across the box to the Irish international squandered a chance to add a fourth goal. Tried his luck from a distance. 

Sam Edozie - 6.

Injected pace into the final third. Drove to the byline but his cutback was blocked. Still waiting for his first start since late February.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - N/A.

Southampton's final change of the evening. Failed to make much of an impact on a game which had already been won.