Richard Jolly reports

Fabrice Fernandes denied Terry Venables a second win and a second clean sheet in a week with a late equaliser to deny Leeds a first win in six Premiership games at Elland Road.

The French winger's curling free kick evaded everyone and even the ever excellent Paul Robinson could not keep it out as his fourth goal of the season quashed talk of a revival in Leeds' fortunes.

Harry Kewell looked to have ended Leeds' home jinx when he expertly fired home the rebound after Jonathan Woodgate headed Ian Harte's corner against the post, to cap a vastly improved performance from Leeds in the second half.

Kewell had already hit the post and brought a fine save from the fit-again Antti Niemi as Leeds came out fighting from Venables' team talk after an insipid first-half display. 

But Southampton, who could easily have been three goals ahead in the first 45 minutes could point to two crucial decisions by Merseyside official Chris Foy, which cost them a goal and a penalty; Gordon Strachan's side, who consolidated their position in the top ten, were by no means flattered by the draw.

The former - when Brett Ormerod headed in Chris Marsden's cross after Robinson had parried a long-range effort from Fernandes - was a marginal offside decision.

But when Harte and Teddy Lucic sandwiched Ormerod on the hour as the livewire striker prepared to shoot, it was a blatant penalty.

The former Accrington Stanley striker was a danger to Leeds with his non-stop movement and positive running but let himself down by not converting three of Southampton's best chances.

The elusive Fernandes, whose willingness to shoot from distance kept Robinson busy, delivered a series of teasing crosses as he gave Harte another torrid time, though Paul Telfer and Ormerod also exploited the left back's lack of pace.

Saints' brighter and hungrier approach throughout the first half was epitomised by an early short corner when Matthew Oakley reached the by-line and picked out Ormerod only for the unmarked striker to head over.

Wayne Bridge, up against two international full backs on Leeds' right flank, then advanced from left back to fire a swerving 30-yard shot just wide before Ormerod found himself with room to shoot on the turn but dragged his effort well wide.

After the disallowed goal, Fernandes again tested Robinson as he cut in from the left wing while the overlapping Telfer's low cross set up Ormerod to rattle the bar.

From a near identical move five minutes later, Fernandes delivered the cross and Beattie's low drive was parried by Robinson, with the rebound eluding Saints despite, as was their norm, several yellow shirts descending on the Leeds box.

Saints ended the half with another close shave as Oakley's chipped corner was headed by Ormerod while Leeds had been restricted to long-range efforts from Harte and Alan Smith, the latter improvinsing well but volleying too high.

The England striker was back after a ban in the unaccustomed position of centre midfield but adapted to his new role with vigour, his usual combative qualities coming to the fore in several heavyweight midfield clashes with Rory Delap.

And it was Smith who provided the drive for Leeds' second-half revival, aided by Kewell's finesse, as the Australian, criticised for alleged laziness, produced a performance of real determination.

The industrious Australian found room to deliver an inch-perfect cross which Gary Kelly was set to convert when Saints skipper Chris Marsden made a vital interception at the back post.

And then a full-blooded drive from Kewell was blocked well by Niemi, justfying his recall in place of Paul Jones, who was in outstanding form while his rival was injured.

Following Ormerod's unsuccessful penalty appeal, Kewell met a Kelly cross with a shot past Niemi but not Bridge, who deflected it on to the post while yet another effort from the Leeds top scorer was safely held by the Finnish keeper.

Saints responded with a Fernandes free kick which Michael Svensson headed just wide and a terrific Marsden cross which Premiership top scorer Beattie headed only for his fellow England hopeful, Robinson, to deny him again.

Then Kewell scored to give Venables some Christmas cheer only for Fernandes to deny him the win which might have silenced his critics at Elland Road.

And there was still time for Robinson to react brilliantly to keep out a curling cross-shot from Fernandes which was arrowing for the far corner to prevent a seventh consecutive home defeat and perhaps ensure Venables still has a job in the New Year.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Fabrice Fernandes (Southampton) - Kewell and Smith were strong contenders but the French winger shades it for an outstanding first-half display, consistently excellent crossing and a vital goal.  

Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Woodgate, Lucic, Harte, Kelly, Okon, Wilcox, Smith, Fowler (Viduka 53), Kewell.
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Seth Johnson, Duberry, Milner. 

Southampton: Niemi, Telfer, Lundekvam, Michael Svensson, Bridge, Fernandes, Delap, Oakley, Marsden (Anders Svensson 83), Beattie, Ormerod (Tessem 62).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Williams, Davies.
Booked: Marsden.

Att: 36,687
Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).