Ashton Gate was bouncing following goals from Dele Adebola and flying winger Ivan Sproule. We're now within a point of the play-offs, and on a tremendous run.

A tremendous 80-yard run and goal from Sproule was a highlight – as was the brilliant atmosphere created by the East End.

The fans there orchestrated the other three sides of the ground to 'bounce around' and at one point even had Gary Johnson bobbing in his technical area.

Unlike a number of games at home this year, City started brightly and got at the opposition from the start. Only smart saves from Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis kept City out. The only criticism that could have been levelled at the Robins was that they did not kill the game off.

Thankfully, another missed penalty, which has over the years proved to be a bit of an Achilles' heel for City, did not affect the outcome of the match.

Bradley Orr was the fall guy and I would expect the duties to be passed on after Brad's second miss this season. I admire any player who steps up to take a penalty but I think the duty should be passed back to Nicky Maynard. He himself has missed from the spot this season, but that was against David James.

Bradley showed the strength of character that we've come to expect by bouncing back from the miss and teeing up Dele Adebola for the opener.

It wasn't all one-way traffic and City had to survive a couple of near misses with the Saints hitting the woodwork twice.

City played some decent football with Gavin Williams, Cole Skuse and Lee Johnson controlling the middle of the pitch. Williams is a quality footballer, although he did get caught in possession a couple of times.

There was somewhat of a bizarre moment in the second half when Saints keeper Davies kicked the ground when attempting to clear the ball. Liam Fontaine was near to the keeper but did not impede him and yet the referee booked him.

This incident highlighted one of the things that for me is wrong in the game. Davis was no doubt embarrassed by his mis-kick and was thankful for the ref's mistake, but for me he showed a distinct lack of sportsmanship by not speaking to the ref and explaining his mistake. Davis' lack of action saw a fellow professional get booked for no reason.

There were a few nervous moments as the ball was bouncing around more than the East End but the defence stood strong and Adriano Basso repelled all that Southampton could throw at him.

With the game entering injury time Southampton forced another corner and threw caution to the wind, sending keeper Davis up-field.

Basso plucked the ball out of the air and quickly threw it out to substitute Sproule. Ivan then set off on an 80-yard run. There's little doubting the Irishman's speed but this time he kept his composure and literally walked the ball in the net to seal the win.

It was just reward for Sproules recent substitute performances and in my opinion was no more than Davis deserved for his un-sportsmanlike behaviour earlier.