Ulster Rugby banked a priceless away win over Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium to take command of Pool 4 - and Northampton Saints' 21-16 defeat at Castres Olympique means last season's finalists have a three-point cushion over Dylan Hartley's team in the hunt for automatic knock-out stages qualification as group winner.
Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe paid tribute to the character and attitude of Johann Muller's team in winning 19-8 on the road in the first Heineken Cup match played at Scotstoun with the back-to-back contests with Saints in December set to be potential deciders for the Pool 4 honours.
"If you don't have the character and attitude to keep in there and battle it out in tough times then you will not come out at the right end," said Anscombe.
"It is not easy to come here and get the victory - as other teams will find out - but we are two from two and with Castres taking out Northampton it leaves us at the right end of the table."
Meanwhile Muller said it had taken "a special effort" to beat the Scottish club, adding: "It was all about the result against a really good Glasgow side.
"Getting the right result away from home in tough conditions took a special effort as they are a side who know how to spoil and make it difficult for you.
"The four points in the bag is exactly what we wanted."
While Ulster have ensured their destiny remains firmly in their own hands Glasgow are left without a point at the foot of the group with a home win over Castres Olympique in Round 3 vital if they are to stay in the mix.
