Liam Manning has admitted that he is delighted for Harry Cornick after his goal in Bristol City’s win over Millwall, confessing it has been a “tough year” for the Robins’ forward.
The Robins secured a first away win in the Championship since November and registered back-to-back wins for only the second time all season as goals from Zak Vyner and Cornick in the second half helped them to a 2-0 win at The Den on Tuesday evening.
City had chances to break the deadlock in the first half with Scott Twine, George Earthy and Mark Sykes all coming close, but it was Vyner who opened the scoring when he tapped in from close range for his first goal since April 2023. The centre-back had remained in the Millwall box following a corner and was quick to react and turn home Cam Pring’s ball towards the back post.
Although Millwall threatened, without creating any genuine scoring chances of their own, it was Cornick who wrapped up all three points when he similarly tapped into an empty net after Lukas Jensen could only parry Sam Bell’s half-volleyed effort into the 29-year-old’s path.
The former Luton Town man quickly wheeled away to celebrate by the corner flag in front of the travelling support where he was quickly joined by his City teammates, including Sinclair Armstrong who sprinted down the touchline, and they formed a pile-on.
While Manning has always been eager to praise Cornick’s impact in the Robins’ changing room, he was pleased that the forward got his “fantastic” moment.
“I think you see that at the end right? Culturally you see what he means to the group,” the head coach told Bristol Live in his post-match press conference at The Den. “It’s been a tough year for Harry, he’s not had the minutes that he would have wanted but we’ve got a really strong relationship.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person first and foremost and then as a professional. Despite not having the minutes, he’s turned up and been the best version of him every day. He’s worked as hard as he can, and he brings a huge amount behind the scenes in terms of his character, personality, the banter.
“He’s massive in that, which I think is important in the changing room and I’m delighted for him, he deserves that tonight. It was a fantastic moment.”
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Having climbed into the top six temporarily after their win over Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate less than two weeks ago, the Reds had slipped down the Championship table following the weekend’s fixtures after their trip to South East London was pushed back as a result of the Lions’ progression in the FA Cup.
But with their win at The Den on Tuesday, City have now moved level on points with sixth-placed West Brom, with only goal difference preventing them from climbing into the play-off places. Though a win against Hull City on Saturday afternoon could be enough to see Manning’s Reds move, and stay in the top six, the Robins boss is not getting ahead of himself.
“I’ll be watching the game back on the bus,” the head coach smiled when asked if he would be paying any attention to the table.
“They’ll be off tomorrow and then I’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”