Benali: Wright save was defining moment of season

Had Wright not been in the right place at the right time in the 41st minute, Saints would have been 2-0 down and staring down the barrel of relegation to League One.

But as it was, Nigel Pearson's men broke away and Marek Saganowski headed in Jhon Viafara's deflected cross to level things up.

"It has got to be noted how big a turning point it was when Richard Wright made a point blank save and then Saganowski went up the other end and scored," Benali said.

"That save probably changed the course of our entire season and in the space of 60 seconds we have gone up the other end and equalised. That was a huge turning point in the game and our season.

"You see similar things happen so often in football but certainly it was one of those moments for sure."

Stern John added two more second half goals as Saints went onto secure a dramatic 3-2 win.

And despite his second-half dismissal for two yellow cards Benali was full of praise for the 31 year-old Trinidad and Tobago front-man.

"His goalscoring this season has been a real lifeline for us," Benali said.

"Everybody has got their critics - some players do some things better than others - but ultimately strikers are judged on the goals they score and he has delivered on that front. He got two crucial goals."

Saints were roared on by the majority of the 31,957 record attendance for the season at St Mary's and Benali added: "The fans were absolutely brilliant today.

"They turned out, filled up the stadium and played their part - and I am pleased the team responded to that and got the result."

He added: "I am really pleased that the players put in a fantastic last two performances against West Brom and today and hopefully they will enjoy the moment."

More Benali reaction in tomorrow's Daily Echo as part of a 16-page football special pullout featuring all the emotion and drama from St Mary's.