SAINTS manager Russell Martin insisted his side's 3-2 friendly win over Bordeaux "served its purpose" during their pre-season camp.

The fixture has left him with plenty to think about after surviving two hits of the Southampton post in the closing stages.

However, it means they have won both of their first two friendlies with a further five to come - with Montpellier up next in Spain, on Saturday.

Tyler Dibling forced an own goal in the first half before Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Sekou Mara netted after the break.

Speaking after the match at Nou Estadi Municipal, Martin told the Daily Echo: "It served its purpose in the heat.

"It was a really good conditioning exercise. Two different teams, two different ways of building up and doing things.

"I saw lots of good stuff. I saw lots of stuff we need to work on. We've got a lot of work to do. A few people were playing out of position because of the numbers.

"A few guys watching from the sidelines will definitely help us when they're on the pitch. Some good stuff, but most importantly, everyone got through it injury-free."

Martin continued: "They just had a really tough game in the heat. I'm really grateful for Bordeaux as they played under the circumstances they were in.

"For their manager Albert Riera and the team to convince everyone to play and to do that, I'm really grateful.

"It's a really good training exercise for us, which is what these games are about. You had proper nice challenges, it was hard and I'm pleased we got through unscathed." 

Martin played two different XIs during the match, with only Mat Lis keeping his place in the team amid 10 outfield changes.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw (pictured) and Tyler Dibling impressedSam Amo-Ameyaw (pictured) and Tyler Dibling impressed (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

"We had a group of guys coming on that did so well for us last season," Martin said. 

"Will Smallbone is a top performer, he makes the team better as he's a selfless runner. The lads like him. Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo made a big difference to the game.

"When you have those three guys in midfield to help you dominate and to be aggressive, the team's aggression went up a notch. Really pleased with them.

"A couple sitting in the stand as well today that we need to keep together and keep growing and build the team around.

"But for those three, their age is really nice as well because they've got a lot of growth in them still to come."