IT was a bitter-sweet evening for Saints at St Mary's last night.

A 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday put them right in the hunt for automatic promotion.

But injuries to two-goal hero Kenwyne Jones, Darren Powell and Kelvin Davis somewhat marred the victory.

Powell - who only returned to action last month after being sidelined since last April - is definitely out for Saturday's crucial visit of leaders Derby while Jones and Davis are only touch and go.

With several players still sidelined, and with such a big game coming up against a Rams side who have won seven in a row in league and cup, the timing is dreadful.

Saints boss George Burley said: "There is concern.

"Kenwyne Jones had to go off with an abductor strain and, with the game (against Derby) coming so close, he is touch and go.

"Darren Powell is certainly out. He pulled a thigh muscle and that could be a matter of weeks.

"Kelvin Davis has got eight stud marks right across his ribs and we'll see what he's like.

"He's still very sore and it could be the case he might have an x-ray".

Burley was happy with his side's professional performance to take three points against the Owls.

Saints are still seven points behind the table-topping Rams but only one point off of the second automatic promotion place following Tuesday night defeats for both Birmingham and Preston.

But Burley was not happy with referee Mike Russell for allowing Wednesday's goal to stand - despite what appeared to be a late challenge that left Davis, an ever-present in league and cup action for Saints this season, injured.

Full interview and FIVE pages of Saints v Sheffield Wednesday reports, reaction and pictures in today's Daily Echo.