Darius Vassell gave City a deserved lead after 71 minutes with his 4th goal in 4 games against his former club this season.
Kevin Phillips then had a stoppage-time equaliser incorrectly disallowed for offside, but on the balance of play, City deserved the three points.
And it was a welcome three points too as it stopped a 6-game losing streak and gave us our 1st away win in 4 months.
"Sometimes you have to keep your nerve and a balanced view of what's going on," said Pearce.
"Credit to the players, they scrapped away hard and it's not an easy place to come to, but they deserved to win.
"It took us 45 minutes and a clean sheet to give us a little bit of confidence, and we got them back in the dressing room and said if we get it down and pass it, we can win a game here. They needed that 45 to give them a lift.
"Some of the passing in the second half was like when we were beating Charlton away 5-2," added the City chief. "I thought we saw the confidence come back in the squad, and that will give them a big lift in the dressing room.
"It's nice to have a dressing room with a few smiles in it and the music on. Football's a great game when you are winning, and believe me its rubbish when you're not!"