Liam Manning praised the contribution of Bristol City fans after his team leapt back into the Sky Bet Championship play-off zone and called for more of the same when West Brom visit Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.
Ross McCrorie volleyed the Robins in front in the 24th minute following an error by Watford defender James Abankwah and Nahki Wells doubled the advantage five minutes later with a low drive after Mark Sykes had made a strong run down the right.
The visitors claimed the ball had gone out of play as Sykes broke away. But, although substitute Mamadou Doumbia reduced the deficit with a sweet volley from the edge of the box 10 minutes from time, they could have no complaints about the outcome.
It meant City now occupy sixth place with as many games to go, three points in front of the Baggies ahead of Tuesday’s crunch clash.
Manning said: “The atmosphere inside the ground today was brilliant and it was great to see how many supporters stayed behind after the final whistle to applaud the efforts of the players.
“Their backing is so much appreciated and all I can ask is for the same in three days’ time. It is some while since our club has been in the position we now occupy at this stage of the season and I want everyone to enjoy it and dare to dream.
“My staff and players deserve so much credit for putting us where we are and, like myself, they will be giving everything over the last six games. We all work hard every day and only by continuing to do so can we hope to succeed.
“It was a mixed game for us today, but no one can doubt the effort and commitment of the players, or how much progress we have made this season. Being sixth with 40 games played is great, although only after 46 will the placings really count.
“We can only control our own performances and try to maintain a consistency. If we do that, we have as good a chance as anyone of finishing in the play-off zone.”
Watford boss Tom Cleverley said: “It was a huge blow losing Kwadwo Baah so early after we had made a really good start to the game. He has suffered a recurrence of his recent thigh injury and faces another lay-off.
“We are not the same attacking force without his pace, which was causing City problems. James Abankwah has made a mistake for their first goal, but that happens with young players and it’s important that we rally around him.
“The ball has clearly gone out of play in the build-up to their second goal. The referee has the support of an assistant and the fourth official, but still got it wrong. There is no more I can say.
“Mamadou Doumbia has made an impact as a substitute and scored a very good goal, so he has every chance of starting our next game. Unfortunately, the two-goal deficit gave us too much of a mountain to climb.
“Whether or not a play-off challenge is still on, I am very proud that we are stlll being mentioned as contenders near the end of a season that began with talk of relegation fears.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid