PROMISES of a Championship classic might have just fallen short, but the 2-2 draw between Saints and Ipswich was undoubtedly entertaining.
After an end-to-end first half produced few real chances, the game exploded into life after the interval, with an Ipswich opener in the 48th minute.
Defensive fragility came at the worst possible time for Tonda Eckert's side, after Tom Fellows was caught in possession in the middle of the park.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was beaten to a header, and enough decisiveness between him and Nathan Wood allowed Burns a chance to power home.
And the late Jack Clarke goal that would ultimately kill off automatic promotion hopes for Saints after a spirited fightback was similarly soft.
Ipswich got two first contacts on aerial balls in the Saints box, before the substitute strolled clear of Finn Azaz to drive home a low shot from range.
From then on, it was only the Tractor Boys who looked like they could get a winner, despite an understandably clear desire from both teams to do so.
A lot of credit has to go to Daniel Peretz, who may be disappointed with the first goal, for a world-class stop to deny the electric Clarke his second.
But though Saints should be disappointed by the two goals, which cost them a crucial two points, they can ultimately be proud of their efforts.
Both on the night, and over the last few months. Having run Man City hard in the FA Cup semi-final days earlier, they are still 18 league games unbeaten.
They are assured of a Championship play-off place, and at least a fifth-placed finish, when just three months ago they were 16th, 10 points adrift of sixth.
The quality and attention to detail that Saints showed to score twice against Ipswich, who are now favourites to go up automatically, showed why.
Ryan Manning's set-piece goal was his eighth strike of the season, and fourth from direct free-kicks, but it was Peretz's actions that caught attention.
The Israeli ace ran 60 yards up the pitch to direct Cyle Larin and James Bree on where to stand alongside the wall to impair the goalkeeper's vision.
Then there was Manning's splitting pass inside to Larin, whose one touch took two defenders out of the game before he prodded in his seventh goal.
The January signings of Peretz and Larin, along with the return of James Bree, have been transformational, and playing their role again is fitting.
Eckert will now have one eye on his team selection for the play-off first leg, which will be on either Friday night or Saturday lunchtime next week.
Manning reaffirmed how he has been keeping Welington out of the team, even if the Brazilian deputised well against Man City at Wembley Stadium.
Caspar Jander started against Ipswich as he left off at the weekend, and it means Shea Charles is unlikely to keep his place when Flynn Downes returns.
Azaz continues to shake off heavy strapping on his knee to remain a creative hub, while Kuryu Matsuki's calf-related absence was felt by Saints.
The Japanese is probably ahead of Fellows at present, although the exact tactical details of the opposition will likely influence Eckert's final choice.
And Larin is pushing Ross Stewart to start the biggest games. When he was withdrawn after his equalising goal, Ecket's side lost an outlet to play to.
Eckert insisted he will play his strongest team at Preston, but added that he "always" does that, having actually made half a dozen changes every week.
It will be interesting to see his lineup at Deepdale, as he balances recharging for the play-offs with still wanting to win and snatch a home second-leg.
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