The Shakers had lost five straight home games but stopped the rot to leapfrog the visitors and climb back into the play-off places.
Andy Bishop and Glynn Hurst were recalled after a wretched run of just one goal in five games and they repaid Knill's faith by grabbing a pair of goals each.
"It was a great result and I think the players have been fantastic," said Knill. "I'm delighted and relieved for everybody at the club - not just me. It's been a difficult period but all you can do is keep believing in what we do and how we try to do things."
Bishop gave Bury a ninth-minute lead after a cross from Mike Jones before Hurst scored his first goal of the season in the 40th minute, and they both struck in five minutes around the hour mark to avenge their FA Cup defeat by the Gills two weeks ago.
"It looked a totally different game to the Cup clash and it was great to score some goals from open play," Knill added.
"Bish was quality, I gave Hursty a chance too and he was fantastic. Now we're looking for that form every week.
"Confidence is a fragile thing, it can go as quickly as it comes. Now we're looking for that consistency and hoping to build another run at home."
BURY: Brown 7; Scott 8, Futcher 8, Sodje 7, Buchanan 7; Bennett 8, Barry-Murphy 8 (Baker 83), Dawson 7, Jones 7; Bishop 9, Hurst 9 (Racchi 78).
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