City miss opportunity to return to the top six

BRISTOL

- DANIEL CARTER

City passed up the opportunity to climb back into the Sky Bet Championship playoff places as they ended the congested festive period in a disappointing fashion.Goals from Lewis Dobbin and Alfie Devine were enough to see the Lilywhites get the better of Gerhard Struber’s side, as the Robins were unable to hit the heights they showcased on New Year's Day.

Dobbin profitted from an early mistake by City's backline to fire Paul Heckingbottom’s side into the lead with less than ten minutes on the clock, and Devine ensured that North End would be returning to Lancashire positioned inside the top six with a low finish midway through the second half.

The defeat leaves City tenth in the table, two points outside of the playoffs after 26 games, with attention turning to the FA Cup next weekend as Watford make the trip west.

Rob Dickie, returning to the first XI, was powerless to prevent North End's opener after just eight minutes.