Liam Manning was not in the least surprised by an impressive debut from on-loan midfielder Scott Twine as his first-half goal earned Bristol City a point from a 1-1 Championship draw with Watford.
But the head coach did admit astonishment at the manner of the 25th-minute equaliser. Twine climbed above a defender to head into an unguarded net after goalkeeper Ben Hamer had blocked Tommy Conway’s close-range drive into his path.
“I reckon it’s the first time Scott has ever scored with a header,” said Manning. “He probably closed his eyes and it went in off his nose.”
The goal cancelled out Tom Dele-Bashiru’s 13th-minute well-struck penalty for Watford – after Rob Dickie had handled the ball inside the box – and ensured a fair outcome to a competitive English second-tier clash.
Manning and Twine have worked effectively together before as the player scored 20 goals in a season for MK Dons with the same boss in charge during the 2021-22 season.
Signed last Monday from Burnley on loan until the end of the season, the 24-year-old caught the eye with his accurate delivery from free-kicks and corners.
Manning added: “Scott showed what he is all about and will only improve as he gets to know the other players.
“He had a chance to score before his goal and is great at getting forward into threatening positions.
“His dead-ball delivery is one of the reasons I wanted to sign him and it was clear to see, I felt we had the better chances in the game.
“Two or three outstanding ones went begging. We had 15 shots from inside their box, which is a very high number.
“They had more control in the first half, but we had a chat during the break and came out firing.
“We were much more on the front foot and played in the areas we wanted to play in.
Both sides had chances to claim all three points from a stirring battle with no quarter asked or given.
Dickie had a late header brilliantly saved by Hamer, while Robins goalkeeper Max O’Leary produced a brave first-half save at the feet of Yaser Asprilla.
Watford boss Valerian Ismael said: “It was another solid away performance from us. We were strong, pressed well and were tactically very sound.
“We just needed to be more mature in our decision-making at times. That is the next step if we are to win games consistently. We have to be more ruthless.
“It was a clear penalty and we had another good opportunity to be ahead at half-time.
“Our attacking intent was very good in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, we got into more promising situations only to fail with the right final pass or cross.
“We have to be better at controlling the ball in our opponents’ half. Sometimes we take too many touches and lose possession.
“We need to be more calm on the ball, but that is OK, it will come.
“We are working with a lot of young players and I am pleased with the progress they are making.
“We have the possibility of entering the transfer market before the deadline and I am hopeful of doing some business.”
Manning does not anticipate any more signings before the deadline and said there were no deals imminent that would see players leaving.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.Poor Man Utd Napoli step up talks over Darwin Nunez deal Man City's Cherki wants Man Utd revenge This is why Trent can speak Spanish How are there 2 Mbappes? Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t retiring anytime soon. This is what football is all about. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt's standout attacker Hugo Ekitike as he attracts Prem interestMan Utd might have an advantage in the race for Hugo EkitikeManchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt standout Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with United, Chelsea and ...
KYLE WALKER has agreed to join Everton on a one-year deal. The England right-back has been locked in talks with Toffees chiefs since his return from his loan spell at AC Milan. Kyle Walker is bringing the curtain down on his glorious Man City careerEverton and current club Manchester City will now thrash out whether it is a permanent deal or just a 12-month loan while he sees out the remainder of ...
Chelsea have enquired about Lyon sensation Malick Fofana as they continue to look for Jadon Sancho's replacement.Chelsea eye move for Lyon's FofanaBlues looking for Sancho's replacementChelsea face LAFC in Club World Cup on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?Per The Athletic, the Blues have made a verbal enquiry about 20-year-old Lyon winger Fofana as they look to bolster their squad in the summer transfer windo...
Everton keen to rival Fenerbahce for WalkerPer journalist Mike McGrath, Everton have shown interest in signing Kyle Walker after the Manchester City star failed to secure an AC Milan move.Last week, reports emerged in the Turkish media that Fenerbahce are keen on signing the veteran full-back as Jose Mourinho is aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the new season. Fenerbahce have even formally sub...
Arsenal, Man Utd ask Real Madrid to name Brahim priceArsenal and Manchester United have sounded out Real Madrid over a price for Brahim Diaz.The former Manchester City midfielder has attracted enquiries from both Premier League giants, says Okdiario.For his part, Brahim is settled in Madrid, though there is concern inside his camp over the imminent arrival of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.Th...
DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB LeipzigCelta Vigo have signed permanently Iliax Moriba from RB Leipzig.The midfielder had spent last season on-loan with Celta, which have now decided to sign him permanently from RBL for a fee of €6m.Celta announced today: "RC Celta has exercised the purchase option agreed upon last summer with RB Leipzig and has completed its second sign...
Japhet Tanganga's Millwall contract includes a modest £1.2m release clause (Image: Getty)Crystal Palace are interested in signing Japhet Tanganga from south London rivals Millwall. But the Eagles' pursuit of the defender will depend on the sale of Marc Guehi, who is once again attracting interest from some of the Premier League's top sides.Tanganga has spent the past 18 months at The Den, ini...
Andre Onana is set to remain Man Utd's starting goalkeeper (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)Andre Onana is poised to remain as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper next season. Despite the Reds' boss Ruben Amorim desiring a new No. 1, seeking a replacement for Onana isn't high on the agenda as United focus on revamping a squad that ended up in 15th place last season.United had an...
Jack Grealish has been left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad (Image: Getty)Liverpool could play an important role in saving Jack Grealish from his Manchester City nightmare this summer. The former Aston Villa talisman has been left out of Pep Guardiola's Club World Cup squad and put up for sale, with City hoping to recoup some of the £100million they paid four years ago, or at least eas...
- 1 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 2 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 3 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 4 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 5 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 6 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 7 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Liverpool are spending big
- 10 Portugal and France play out draw to start U21 Euro campaign