Gary Johnson hailed Bristol City's 2-0 win over Blackpool as a "crucial" result.

Nicky Maynard and substitute Danny Haynes scored a goal in either half to deliver a first victory in five games and keep City within sight of the play-off places.

And manager Johnson claimed the outcome represented the difference between a "good" and an "average" beginning to the Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

"This was a big, big game for us for all sorts of reasons," said Johnson, who had seen his team pick up just three points in outings against Coventry, Swansea, Scunthorpe and Derby.

"Because we had let a couple of late goals in during the last two games and dropped points, this was an important one for us. I said before kick-off that it was a key fixture.

"Win it and we are right up there near the play-off positions. Lose it and we're in the bottom half and feeling sorry for ourselves.

"The lads knew how important it was to win this game and they came up trumps. They could have let their heads drop after we missed a couple of good early chances, but they kept going and were worthy of the 2-0 scoreline."

Johnson insisted beating Ian Holloway's in-form Blackpool will restore confidence ahead of Saturday's testing assignment against leaders Newcastle United at St James' Park.

He said: "This is just what we wanted. Newcastle away is a massive game and it's good to go there in credit after a home win.

"It's the kind of game we haven't had for a while and we're all looking forward to it. Newcastle are flying high at the moment, but we go there with nothing to lose. After beating Blackpool, we can afford to give it a go up there."

Johnson paid tribute to striker Maynard, who scored his seventh goal of the season and then set up Haynes for the second shortly after half-time.

"Nicky's a good player and he's in good form," reasoned Johnson. "Things are going for him so far this season and he's not afraid to try his luck.

"He missed a great chance to give us the lead just before his goal, but he didn't let it affect him. He took his goal well and then came up with a great bit of skill to set up the second for Danny."

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway accused his players of lacking desire.

The former Bristol Rovers manager admitted: "We looked like we thought we could coast it and we played like prima donnas in the first half.

"Our closing down was diabolical and we gave City time to stroll around and move the ball. We had some good possession but our shooting was poor and we couldn't hit a donkey on Weston-super-Mare beach."

Bristol City's victory was all the more notable, given that it was achieved without the suspended Jamie McCombe, injured Liam Fontaine and ill Paul Hartley. Cole Skuse, Lewin Nyatanga and Louis Carey played despite being short of match fitness and Johnson said: "We just about got away with it."

Hartley was diagnosed with shingles shortly before kick-off, while Fontaine was ruled out by a knee injury.

"Both of them should be OK in a few days, but we'll have to wait and see if they are ready for Newcastle," said Johnson.