MANAGER'S REACTION: Portsmouth 1-0 Southampton

Harry Redknapp: "It was vital. If we had gone down today it would have been a desperate situation for us," said Redknapp.

"Not only not picking up the points at home but getting beaten by Southampton again would have been a big blow.

"We have played well all season but we have failed to stick our chances away on many occasions.

"I thought we were fantastic in the first half but we missed two or three gilt-edged chances.

"We were fortunate when Phillips showed great technique and hit the post. But overall I thought we were the better team and deserved to win.

"I'm as delighted as the fans that we've got this win. I think we would have been in big trouble if we'd lost."

"It was a massive game especially after two defeats. Now with nine games left, we could need four or five wins to get out of trouble," he added.

"It won't be easy because Manchester United and Arsenal both have to come here. The key games could be Leicester, Leeds and Blackburn, next weekend, away.

"But Wolves will keep hoping, too, and I'm worried that Leeds have the players to put a run together even now."

Paul Sturrock: "We didn't really play until the last 12 to 15 minutes," said Sturrock.

"It was a derby and our fans must think the world has exploded with this result but to be fair one team wanted to win and the other just didn't want to lose.

"We need to be more positive, because otherwise in the end you end up chasing games.

"We have to recreate a mirror image of the last 12 minutes here. Most of the time our passing was not crisp enough and we didn't get people up quick enough to support the front two.

"We've got to improve our attitude and there will be changes next week against Tottenham," he added.

"I thought Portsmouth deserved the result and if they can improve their away form they have a chance of staying up.

"This was their seventh home win and they are as good as anybody on their own patch."

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