League-leaders Southampton would have been confident heading into the match against relegation-threatened Bristol, but were instead outmatched by the visitors in a scrappy affair.
With the chance to move six points clear at the top of the table on the line, Southampton started better and had the best chance of the opening period through Rickie Lambert.
Steve De Ridder broke free down the right wing and cut the ball back to Lambert, but the striker failed to get his effort on target.
Albert Adomah has Bristol's best chance of the opening 45 minutes, forcing a smart save from Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis after stealing the ball off Adam Lallana.
Bristol stepped up the intensity after the interval, and Nicky Maynard thought he had opened the scoring when he converted a rebound from Kalifa Cisse's parried shot, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Stephen Pearson had a good chance on 73 minutes, but his weak effort failed to beat Davis.
The former Derby County man went one better five minutes later though, finishing from close range after Cole Skuse and Maynard both had their efforts blocked by Davis.
The goal was enough to secure the victory for Bristol, who move three points clear of the relegation zone.
Southampton remain three points clear at the top, but can be joined on 44 points by West Ham and Middlesbrough after they play on Saturday.
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