Liam Manning has lauded his Bristol City side’s character after they came from a goal behind to beat Oxford United 2-1.
City returned to winning ways at Ashton Gate, after an inspired second half performance saw the Robins register their first Championship win in three outings.
Despite a dominant first half performance, with Sinclair Armstrong, Anis Mehmeti and Haydon Roberts having chances to open the scoring, the Robins went into half-time behind. Reuben Rodrigues scored from close range to shock everyone inside Ashton Gate with the U’s leading very-much against the run of play.
However, Manning’s men were able to break the resilient Oxford United defence after Yu Hiakawa found Armstrong in the box to level the game early in the second period.
And it was Hirakawa again as he played Roberts through in the box before he was clipped by Mark Harris in the box. Substitute Nahki Wells was able to convert his spot kick with 14 minutes remaining to complete the impressive comeback.
And the Robins’ performance is something which Manning lauded as they returned to winning ways in the Championship.
“Lads included, we were probably frustrated to come in a goal behind at half-time.” He told Bristol Live.
“I thought there were lots of positive elements still and we created some terrific opportunities but as you know if you switch off for a second at Championship level you quickly fibd yourself a goal behind from nothing really.
“We were frustrated at half-time but what it showed in the second half was the togetherness; the spirit; we really took responsibility and stepped up in the second half. The fans were outstanding today – especially in the second half – and played a big part in giving the lads that drive, intensity, that purpose and front-footed side of it. I’m delighted for the fans, the players and the staff.
“You have to (showing character when going behind). We spoke at half-time that not so long ago we were behind against Millwall and that showed how it can change quickly. You can only do that if you have the right frame of mind and that was the difference. I think last week the energy wasn’t there.
“Today we spoke again and the lads have been really honest about the group. We came in and had some tough conversations. The lads want to improve; want to get better and they want to do well. For me they deserve all the plaudits today because they were the ones which made it happen.”
City went into the game off the back of consecutive away 3-0 defeats by Derby County and Blackburn Rovers respectively. But their second win of the campaign has propelled the Robins to 13th in the Championship.
Despite recent results, Manning spoke about the difference in his side’s character after this afternoon’s professional performance.
“My confidence in the group has never wavered.” He added. “Derby was similar in terms of the first half because we could’ve been arguably two, three or four ahead at half-time. We weren’t, we were one behind and then in the second half we came out and chased the result rather than sticking to our game. Today you see the contrast to that.
“Unfortunately and probably against the run of play, we find ourselves a goal behind but it’s about staying true to who we are, how we play as well as staying calm, having purpose, energy and getting on the front foot. They’re qualities we want in the team.”