The winning goal was the biggest thrill – Bristol City boss Liam Manning

Posted Wednesday, April 09, 2025 by PA

Head coach Liam Manning shared the euphoria of celebrating Bristol City fans over the last-gasp Haydon Roberts goal which provided a major boost to their hopes of reaching the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Nahki Wells fired the home side in front in the 56th minute after a clever turn on the edge of the box, but Alex Mowatt equalised six minutes later following a collision between Robins goalkeeper Max O’Leary and defender Cam Pring.

Albion’s Jayson Molumby was shown a straight red card in the 89th minute for clattering into Joe Williams and with almost the last kick of the game, City substitute Roberts squeezed a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to settle the outcome.

Manning said: “The whole evening was up there with anything that has happened since I came here and the winning goal was the biggest thrill.

“I have kept going on about the culture we have built here and how this great group of lads keep going right to the end.

“The sending-off definitely had an influence on the outcome. But I was delighted with the patience the players showed in the final minutes.

“The scenes with the fans at the end were great and I want them to enjoy the moment. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but it’s a long time since our club were in this position with so few games to go.

“The result means nothing unless we back it up in the next game. Let’s enjoy the night, but it’s back to work straight away. That’s the mentality and we won’t change from it.”

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray said: “I haven’t seen the sending-off again so I can’t comment on the challenge. It made a difference, but I’m more disappointed with the late goal we conceded.

“It’s not the first time it has happened and it has to stop. You shouldn’t have a problem with nine men back defending in the box, yet we still allow them a free shot when one clearance would have ended the game.

“I was disappointed that the referee didn’t stop play just before the sending-off because we had a player who had been on the ground for more than a minute.

“I know the letter of the law says it needs to be a head injury for the game to be stopped and I have no problem with Bristol City playing on, but it was a nasty knock.

“I haven’t looked at the table, but I know we are still in the battle for play-off places and we will go again.

“There were periods in the second half where we got on top, but neither side created much in the way of clear chances.”