HEAD coach Tonda Eckert believes results like beating Premier League leaders Arsenal will help inspire the younger generation of Saints fans.

The St Mary's side booked a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win over the Gunners, who had been targeting a treble this season.

Ross Stewart and Shea Charles scored to ensure Viktor Gyokeres' equaliser was merely a consolation in front of more than 31,000 supporters.

Eckert's Saints are aiming to win promotion via the Championship play-offs, and will quickly switch attention back to a crucial league run-in.

But Saints continue honouring the 50th anniversary of winning the FA Cup for the only time in their history in splendid style, with a trip to Wembley.

"I think the club has been craving for a moment like this for a long time. I think that we've suffered over a longer spell," Eckert admitted.

There’s a lot of credit to be dished out to just about everyone tonight. Club smashed pre-match build, staff set up cleverly, players gave everything required and fans stuck with it...