Following today’s clash between Bristol City and Fulham, here are the instant reactions from both managers.
Bristol City hosted Fulham at Ashton Gate for a 7.45pm kick off on Wednesday February 21, with both sides playing out a one all draw.
The visitors opened the scoring through Aleksander Mitrovic in the 14th minute, but turning their own form around Bristol City staged a fightback to take a point through Bobby Reid’s 35th minute effort.
Fulham’s unbeaten run extends to eleven matches, but the Robins will be pleased to have come from behind to take a point rather than concede a lead and be forced to settle for a point.
Teams:
Bristol City:
Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Magnusson (Bryan 74), Paterson, Smith, Brownhill, Kent (Eliasson 80), Diedhiou (Diony 80), Reid.
Substitutes:
Walsh, Steele, Engvall, Kelly.
Fulham:
Bettinelli, Christie, Odoi, Ream, Targett (Ayite 74), Johansen, McDonald, Cairney (Norwood 79), Piazon, Mitrovic (Kamara 75), R Sessegnon.
Substitutes:
Fredericks, Kebano, Kalas, Button.
Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Jeremy Simpson blew the final whistle, Bristol City assistant head coach Dean Holden explained.
‘At times the ball just wouldn’t drop for us. We created some great situations, but just didn’t get the break where it mattered. Fulham are a top side and it required a fantastic physical effort from our lads to stay with them. There have been suggestions that our cup exertions this season have taken a toll. But I was watching carefully and I couldn’t see any sign of players flagging. We are right in there challenging and it’s a fantastic position to be in. Now we take on Cardiff City in what is always an exciting contest and I only wish I were playing myself. There is a tremendous spirit in the camp, which will keep us going. It promises to be a memorable end to the season.’
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic in his comparative interview explained.
‘It was a different kind of game – very hard, but we tried to follow our style, move the ball but we didn’t find enough space. They pressed us and put us under a strong press. We had chances to win the game, and they had some too. It’s not an easy place to play. Some of the more important teams from the Premier League didn’t find enough space to move the ball. We cannot be completely satisfied as we came here to win the game.’
