Kevin Blackwell felt Matt Kilgallon's chance to double Sheffield United's lead at Southampton was the turning point in his side's 3-2 defeat.

Stephen Quinn's goal had given the Blades hope of reaching the play-offs, but after Kilgallon was denied by Richard Wright from point-blank range, the Saints equalised through Marek Saganowski.

And Stern John's second-half brace gave the home side the win they needed to stay up, even though Jon Stead did briefly level at 2-2.

Blackwell said: "That would have made it 2-0 and would have made things very difficult for Southampton.

"It was a good set-piece. He found space and met the ball powerfully and I don't know how much Richard Wright knew about saving it."

Blackwell added: "The lads have done me proud since I came and to reach this stage in with a chance is a real credit to them."