BRISTOL CITY 2
McCrorie 24, Wells 29
WATFORD 1
Doumbia 80
Robins boss Liam Manning has called for more of the same as his Championship play-off chasing Bristol City look to follow up this key win over Watford when they face rivals West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
After seeing his players hold on for the three points that catapulted them back into the Championship’s top six, he called on the Ashton Gate faithful to drive his team on as they look to consolidate their spot.
City now occupy the final play-off place with six games remaining, and just three points ahead of their next visitors from the Midlands.
Manning wants a repeat performance, not only from his players… but also the supporters.
Atmosphere
He 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 when we have another crucial game here against West Brom.
“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.”
Manning also praised his staff for giving the team the platform they need to maintain their push for the Premier League.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Of course, 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 consistency.
“If we do that, we have as good a chance as anyone of finishing in the play-off zone.”
Match action
The visitors made a bright start and Baah’s sixth-minute shot from a narrow angle brought the first save from Max O’Leary.
However, the momentum swayed when Baah had to be substituted in the 18th minute, going down off the ball in the middle of the pitch and punching the ground in frustration before being replaced by Tom Ince.
Ross McCrorie then volleyed the rocking Robins in front after 24 minutes.
A mistake by Watford defender James Abankwah led to a low cross from the right, and although Wells was crowded out, the ball broke for McCrorie to net with a left-footed volley.
Five minutes later, Mark Sykes broke clear down the right, with Watford appealing that the ball had gone out of play.
His pass found Wells, who turned onto his left foot to drill a low shot past Egil Selvik from ten yards.
Watford substitute Mamadou Doumbia reduced the deficit ten minutes from time, making space on the edge of the box to beat O’Leary with a sweetly struck volley that found the bottom corner.
But it wasn’t enough to deny Manning’s team a deserved three points.
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