NIGEL Pearson was delighted with his side's performance as they put in a terrific display to beat Championship leaders Bristol City 2-0 at St Mary's.

Goals from Stern John and Jason Euell secured a vital three points for Pearson's team.

With results elsewhere going their way, Saints climbed out of the bottom three and up to 19th in the Championship table and gave themselves a lifeline just when they needed it most.

Pearson said: "It's a short-lived relief because ultimately we have four more games which have the same importance as this one.

"We have to make sure we replicate that performance from now on.

"It's very difficult against a side with the quality of Bristol City because they have been at the top of the league for most of the season on merit so to limit them to half-chances and create so many ourselves was particularly pleasing.

"We have to ask why we've not done that too often but I'm really delighted for the players who were magnificent to a man and went about it the right way and played without fear which is very difficult at this stage of the season with so much at stake."

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