Southampton's revival gathers momentum with place in last 16

A season that started in sub-zero conditions is hotting up nicely for Southampton. Alan Pardew's men began their League One campaign on minus 10 points as punishment for going into administration last term and initially struggled to deal with their disadvantage. This impressive win over Ipswich, however, was the latest proof that the Return of the Saints is in motion. Their campaign could yet climax with three Wembley finals. It took eight league matches before the club managed a win this season and not until a 4-1 victory over Gillingham in October did they finally move out of the red in terms of points. Since then their ascent has accelerated. They are up to 15th in League One and believe a play-off place is within their grasp. That momentum has carried over into other competitions – they take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-final against MK Dons next month and thanks to their humbling of Roy Keane's charges have progressed to the last 16 of the FA Cup. "We definitely couldn't have imagined this at the start of the season," said the full-back Wayne Thomas. "You set yourself targets obviously and ours was to get to zero points as quickly as possible. Once we got there it was a massive psychological boost for the players and you could tell around the place that everyone had more confidence. Results picked up straight away." In order to rise with the mounting expectations Pardew has already made several additions this month – Lee Barnard, a £175,000 signing from Southend, looked dangerous on his debut up front against Ipswich. The manager has also made three defensive acquisitions – José Fonte, Daniel Seaborne and Jon Otsemobor – and the 31-year-old Thomas is expected to be among those who make way for one of the recent arrivals. The new trio were cup-tied for the visit of Ipswich meaning Thomas had the chance to personify what is becoming the theme for the club's season – rising to daunting challenges. He seized that opportunity with style, giving Southampton the lead against the Championship side with a spectacular shot from 25 yards, only his second goal in more than four years. The substitute Michail Antonio doubled the advantage before Pablo Couñago struck a late consolation for the visitors. Everything, it seems, is positive at St Mary's now. "I'm more or less using every player in the squad across the three competitions so as a manager it's working very well for me," said Pardew. "I can look every player in the eye and they're all contributing." Now, says Keane, it is Ipswich's turn to overcome a setback. "We're frustrated to be out of the FA Cup but we've got to lick our wounds and bounce back." Man of the match Wayne Thomas (Southampton)