Southampton march on in ominous style, with a quickening stride and the scent of automatic promotion drifting on the sea breeze.
Saints ended Sheffield Wednesday's mini revival with a four-goal flourish and equalled two clubs records set 102 years ago by extending their unbeaten run to 20 games in all competitions, 19 in the league.
They remain 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester City but this victory, a ninth in a row at St Mary's, turned up the heat on faltering Ipswich Town.
Adam Armstrong led the way with his 14th goal of the season and three assists, and home fans filed out with celebration songs fuelling the belief they are on the way back to the Premier League at the first attempt.