Danny Wilson hailed super-sub Leroy Lita after the youngster gave the Bristol City manager a belated Christmas present with two late goals to beat Brentford 2-1 at Griffin Park.
Poor finishing by City, and a goal from Ben May, looked to have ended the Bees' run of five games without a win.
But City never gave up and got the result they deserved to break Brentford hearts and push the home side deeper into relegation trouble at the foot of the table.
The ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss said: "Credit to Leroy, he gave us something different when he came on and turned the game for us. He's a natural goal scorer and his goals today showed the talent he has.
"In the end Leroy gave us the result we deserved. They hardly threatened our goal, and, especially in the first half, we were all over them."After weathering an early storm by the hosts, City went on to dominate the rest of the first half to the frustration of the home crowd.
Ex-Newcastle and Bradford midfielder Brian Tinnion saw a hat-trick of stunning long range efforts brilliantly saved by the sought-after Paul Smith.
But Wally Downes' half time team talk had the desired effect as Brentford came out after the break with all guns blazing.
Matt Somner had a goal ruled out for offside and May's 25 yard effort was tipped onto the post before the gangly forward headed home Stephen Hunt's corner just after the hour mark.
But Lita, who had only been on the field for four minutes rose above Paul Smith to glance Luke Wilkshire's corner into the net in the 77th minute. The super sub then won it for City five minutes later when he tapped-in after Wilkshire's effort was parried.