Southampton 3
Saganowski 42 John 53,69 John s/o 80
Sheff Utd 2
Quinn S 23 Stead 65
Southampton 3 Sheffield United 2 May 04 2008
Southampton completed a dramatic final-day escape from relegation by coming from behind to beat Sheffield United 3-2 at St Mary's.
Stern John cracked a second-half double and Marek Saganowski's header shortly before the interval ensured the Saints avoided the drop to League One.
Having dropped out of the top flight three years ago, the Saints were staring down the barrel of third division football when Stephen Quinn put the Blades ahead (23).
Saganowski equalised (42) and John fired Saints ahead eight minutes after the break but United substitute Jon Stead dragged his side level (65).
But John's 19th goal of the season means the home side will again be playing Championship football next term. The striker's afternoon ended prematurely as he was sent off 10 minutes from time, but the 10 men held out to relegate Leicester to League One.