Gouffran’s 35th-minute goal owed everything to the persistence of Jonas Gutierrez, who charged down a clearance from goalkeeper Rob Green.
The ball broke for Gouffran, who kept his cool, and volleyed it into Green’s unguarded net.
Yoan Gouffran: “I was very happy – all the players were very happy to win the match.
“I think we were strong, and worked hard. We deserved the win.
“Of course I was happy to score, especially as it won the game, and the result was so important to the club. It was a good moment.
“The game was very difficult. The last few minutes were difficult, but we held on to win. It was so important to the club.
“After the game everyone was happy – the players, the manager, and the fans. We need to finish the season well, and then we can look to next year.”