Southampton climbed out of the relegation zone after a crucial home win over leaders Bristol City.

Stern John atoned for an awful earlier miss with his 17th goal of the season to put them on their way.

Bradley Wright-Phillips headed across goal from where John was on hand to rifle into the roof of the net.

Jason Euell made sure of the three points when he finished off Mario Licka's left-wing cross with six minutes left on the clock.

Southampton manager Nigel Pearson:
"I'm very pleased with the performance and the result. It's been a tough week in more ways than one.

"That is now the standard we have to replicate in the next four games. There is no room for complacency.

"I'm not going to enter into the debate [on boardroom rumblings] as I have no control over what happens.

"I have had great support from above and ultimately my responsibility is my staff and my players. It's a ready-made excuse if I want it - but I'm not up for that at all."

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson:
"It was a tough afternoon, a poor game on our part and not what we planned.

"Southampton were a better team than us and we hold our hands up. We chased Southampton around for most of the game.

"It was probably our poorest performance of the season and we are honest enough to admit that. But we are where we are because we are an honest bunch.

"If anything that game will keep our feet on the ground. There will be no talk of the next level at this club."

Southampton: Richard Wright, Jermaine Wright, Lucketti, Perry, Vignal (Surman 42), Licka, Safri, Euell, Idiakez (Viafara 70), Wright-Phillips, John (Pericard 70).
Subs Not Used: Davis, Saganowski.

Booked: Vignal, Safri.

Goals: John 35, Euell 84.

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Carey, McCombe, McAllister, Murray (Sproule 46), Skuse (Elliott 77), Johnson, McIndoe, Noble (Brooker 46), Adebola.
Subs Not Used: Weale, Carle.

Booked: Adebola, Carey.

Att: 22,890.

Ref: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).