George Burley believes Saints are finally getting what they deserve.

Saints defeated Birmingham 4-3 last night in an incredible game at St Mary's and the recent form guide makes happy reading.

It's now three wins on the bounce, six games unbeaten and 14 points from their last 18 for Saints after beating a Blues side who would have gone top had they won.

Saints are now just five points behind Championship leaders Preston.

And, all of a sudden, Burley's men are right in there with a shout of automatic promotion, not just the play-offs, with away games against struggling pair Hull and Southend to come.

Burley said: "It's been a good run.

"We knew we had to string some decent results together to get up the league which we've done.

"The team's getting stronger, we're scoring goals now.

"Earlier in the season we were creating chances, having more shots than anyone in the Championship without scoring - so it was nice to get four.

"We've still got ground to make up.

"We are still four points behind Birmingham and there are a lot of teams all around us in good form.

"But it at least puts us back in the reckoning.

"The key for me is the team is looking better.

"I said two or three weeks ago we're not scoring enough goals but now we've got nine in three games so they're going in now.

"Even when we had that run of defeats we were playing well but at the end of the day you've got to put the ball in the net."

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