SAINTS fans are preparing to paint the city red and white after seeing their team come back from the dead in their most important match for 52 years.

Hundreds of fans have streamed on to the pitch at St Mary's to celebrate a dramatic 3-2 win over Sheffield United that keeps them in the Championship next season.

It was a roller coaster of emotions as the capacity crowd thought the relegation writing was on the wall when Saints went one down early on.

But the Nigel Pearson's men fought a dramatic comeback and the stadium as Stern John made it 3-2.

Down to 10 men after the double goal hero was sent off, players and supporters had to play out those agonising moments before the final whistle.

Southampton are now celebrating their survival in the championship.

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