The Saints had opened up a two-goal lead in the first half when Taylor Harwood-Bellis rose highest in the box to head home from Matheus Fernandes' corner and Adam Armstrong converted a penalty after Jaden Dixon caught Yukinari Sugawara in the box.

Follow live coverage as Southampton face Stoke City in the EFL cup. Liverpool are the reigning champions of the competition following an extra time victory over Chelsea at Wembley last term, Virgil van Dijk scoring the decisive goal to secure a record-extending tenth win of this domestic cup for the Reds.

Southampton and Stoke City face each other in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, exactly a decade on from their last meeting in the competition.

It is Southampton's first win in any competition since they beat Everton 6-5 on penalties in the third round last month and Martin will hope it gives his side confidence before they face Sean Dyche's team again at the weekend.

A late strike by James Bree meant Stoke were knocked out of the Carabao Cup, as Southampton progress into the quarter-finals.

Southampton avoided a potential EFL Cup upset after running out 3-2 winners over Stoke City. Taylor Harwood-Bellis opened the scoring early in the first half by rising to meet Mateus Fernandes’ corner with a downward header.

SOUTHAMPTON : Southampton’s James Bree struck late to snatch a 3-2 win over Stoke City, while Brentford beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the League Cup quarterfinals in two exciting clashes on Tuesday.

Southampton and Stoke City face each other in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, exactly a decade on from their last meeting in the competition.This time at the Potteries rather than St Mary's, the two