Stefanovic was sent-off for foul and abusive language, after disputing a 63rd-minute penalty.

Stefanovic brought down Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana on the edge of the area - and as the former Portsmouth player made his way back to the dressing-room, David McGoldrick made no mistake with the spot-kick.

Roeder said: "The referee did his best to spoil it. Yet again we have seen a poor decision.

"Referees have got to get major decisions right. They are killing the game - and why he was sent-off even he does not know.

"It had been a competitive and fair game. But it was a massive turning point - because we should have been in front by then, not 1-0 down.

"I am sure when he sees the penalty again he will be disappointed. We will wait to see the report from him when it comes.

"At two goals down and with only 10 men on the pitch, there is no way back - even though it was a much better performance from the team than at Barnsley at the weekend.

"We created chances - and I am not talking about half-chances - and we should have put some of them away."

Southampton head coach Jan Poortvliet sprung a surprise by including 20-year-old newcomer Jordan Robertson, signed last week on loan from Sheffield United.

Robertson responded by opening the scoring in the 30th minute when he cut inside from the left wing to unleash a 20-yard shot into the top corner with his right foot.

McGoldrick and substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips hit the woodwork for Southampton - while at the other end, Antoine Sibierski was unlucky when a header came back off the inside of a post.

Both sides owed a big debt to their goalkeeper - David Marshall denying McGoldrick, Robertson and Lallana after Norwich had been reduced to 10 men.

But the crucial saves came from Southampton's Kelvin Davis - who twice denied Omar Koromah in the space of 30 seconds when the Norwich winger had only him to beat.

Davis also did the same in injury time to prevent Arturo Lupoli pulling a goal back.

Poortvliet praised newcomer Robertson.

"He is strong and a good passer of the ball and a motivated young man," he said.

"I first saw this guy two years ago at Brentford and I was impressed by him.

"His goal gave us a lift and some confidence, and this is what we have been lacking at times this season.

"We are unbeaten in four matches in the league now and we have gained eight points along the way - so I have to be pleased."