Liam Manning experienced “every emotion imaginable” as his Bristol City team roared back from two goals down to clinch a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs in front of a sellout Ashton Gate crowd.
Preston had looked set to avoid relegation with a win when Emil Riis headed home a 28th-minute corner from Robbie Brady and Milutin Osmajic doubled the advantage on the hour, breaking clear of City’s backline to slot coolly past Max O’Leary.
But Manning’s men refused to lie down and produced a hero in wing-back Ross McCrorie, who headed them back into the game in the 69th minute and five minutes later raced onto Jason Knight’s ball into the box to fire home the equaliser.
In the end a point was enough for both sides to achieve their objectives, results elsewhere helping to dictate that North End avoided the drop and City finished the season in sixth place. They will face Sheffield United over two legs in their first Championship play-off appearance for 17 years.
Manning, who suffered personal tragedy with the loss of his baby son Theo last October, said: “I guess I went through every emotion imaginable over the 90 minutes and those that followed the final whistle when we had to await the finish of games elsewhere.
“At different times there was frustration and anger with how we were playing. But it was worth all of that to hear the cheer that rang out when our place in the play-offs was confirmed. It will stay with me forever.
“Our fans have been brilliant. The lap of honour was so emotional for me in view of the difficult year it has been personally and I was close to tears three or four times.
“Celebrating with my family was very special. They and the players and staff have helped me through some tough times. Tonight, I am just looking forward to relaxing with a couple of beers.
“All season the players have shown the ability to bounce back quickly from setbacks and they did so again today. The culture we have built is one of sticking together and becoming stronger through difficulties.
“To be honest, I am not giving a thought to facing Sheffield United for the moment. That will all start tomorrow, but of course we have been professional enough to prepare for all eventualities based on today’s results.”
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom was serving a touchline ban but said: “I love being close to the action, but today it actually suited me to be away from it because I was able to keep a close eye on scores elsewhere, rather than have that information relayed to me.
“I was really pleased with the performance. They have had two shots on target and scored two goals. We controlled the game without the ball and I was very proud of the players.
“When I came in, I said there was an air of negativity about the place. Today our fans were amazing and we now have to earn the same backing at home where we want it to be a place opponents fear to come.
“We’ve done the job we needed to do on the pitch and now the hard work starts to make us better. A lot of decisions have had to wait until we were safe in the Championship.
“The core of players is there to move forward, but we have to add to it in the right way and we will do.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts A...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 2 Garnacho reveals he intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departure
- 3 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 4 Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette finds new club! Striker set to complete move to Saudi Pro League side after Lyon exit
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 7 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 8 Man Utd snubbed loan deal for Duran after his 3336k-a-week wages were revealed
- 9 Daily Laugh - If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze
- 10 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career