Jason Knight insists he and his Bristol City teammates are not concerned by their habit of dropping points from winning positions following their New Year’s Day draw with Plymouth Argyle.
The Robins kicked off 2025 with a 2-2 draw against the managerless Pilgrims at Home Park on Wednesday to extend their unbeaten run to three matches over the festive period.
Liam Manning’s side took the lead thanks to Anis Mehmeti’s ninth goal of the season in the first half, but Argyle hit back quickly after half-time as Rami Al Hajj levelled things up, tapping in Morgan Whittaker’s cross. Knight’s second of the season put the Reds in the driving seat just moments later and it seemed as though City were on course for a third consecutive win.
However, Julio Pleguezueloensured the points would be shared in Devon. After a scramble in the Bristol City penalty area following an Argyle free-kick, the ball dropped to the Spanish defender who managed to tap past Max O’Leary and send the home supporters into celebration.
The Robins have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this term, with many of those decisive goals conceded late on in matches. However, Knight insists the City changing room are not concerned by their “disappointing” habit.
“Not really,” the 23-year-old told the Reds media team when asked if dropped points were a concern. “It’s disappointing and we don’t want to be doing it but we’ve shown many a time that we can come back from a goal down and see games out. It’s not something to worry about, but we’ve got to see that game out quite easily.
“Positive performance but the result is what we’re after and we didn’t get it. I think it’s more disappointing that we had numerous chances to kill the game off because we were in full control for large parts of the game and that’s always able to happen when you’re only one goal up.”
Although Bristol City weren’t able to get the win over the line, Knight’s performance in the middle of the park alongside former Derby County teammate Max Bird was a real highlight at Home Park. The midfield duo ran the game and played a huge role in both goals.
For his strike, Knight found himself in acres of space behind the Pilgrims defence and showed the sort of calmness that you would expect from a seasoned number nine as he waited for Conor Hazard to make his move before lofting the ball into the back of the net.
Of course, the Ireland international was frustrated that his goal wasn’t enough to claim the win and send the travelling fans back up the M5 happy, but he did admit it is something he is looking to do more consistently in the second half of the season.
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“It was a good goal,” Knight smiled. “I’m happy to be adding goals and assists to my game and it’s something I need to be contributing more. Delighted with the goal but there’s hopefully more to come.
“I was looking forward to sending them [the fans] home with all three points but no it wasn’t to be and we go again on Saturday.”
Saturday sees Paul Warne and Derby County make the trip to the West Country. When the Robins made the trip to Pride Park earlier this season, they let golden chances to take the lead slip before capitulating in the second half to lose 3-0.
Having spent the formative years of his career with the Rams both in the Championship and League One, Knight knows what to expect from his former side, insisting City will have to be at their best to claim all three points.
“With our crowd behind us as well it’s going to be a good atmosphere,” said the 23-year-old. “It’s going to be a tough game because Derby are a good side and a physical side so we’re going to have to be at it as well.”