SOUTHAMPTON boss Alan Pardew tipped Wanderers to beat the drop after his Saints side were held to a goalless draw at Wycombe last night.

The Blues snuffed out the twin goal threat of free-scoring Saints duo Rickie Lambert and Lee Barnard and went closest to winning it when Jon-Paul Pittman’s volley was tipped onto the bar by Saints keeper Kelvin Davis.

Pardew was angry with his side’s performance but paid tribute to Blues for stopping them playing their normal game.

He said: “Wycombe made it very difficult for us and I think we caught them at a bad time.

"Their tails were up and they had some good performances. Especially on their right side with Kevin Betsy and Julian Kelly who caused us a few problems.

“Gary Waddock has put together a decent side and I think they will have no problems this season if they play like that.

"They gave a good account of themselves because they came up against a very good side tonight.”