Riis shines as Robins show desire for long FA Cup run

Talking points from Bristol City's FA Cup victory against Watford at Ashton Gate, by Dan Carter

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ANYONE doubting Gerhard Struber's desire to progress in the FA Cup needn't worry. As Bristol City struck home their second against Watford, the Robins boss made his way out of his technical area and on to the pitch, where he punched the air in celebration.

The reaction was one born out of delight for the move that had led to Anis Mehmeti's ninth of the season. In truth, the Austrian could have repeated such an expression of joy on any number of occasions, as his side didn't just book their place in the fourth round, but did so in style.

With just two minutes on the clock, the wheels were in motion courtesy of Neto Borges and Emil Riis. The Brazilian chipped a ball into the penalty area, and waiting at the end of the cross was his Danish teammate. The 27-year-old rose highest and headed down, across the goal, and into the bottom left corner.

While modest in size, the Ashton Gate crowd were up and on their feet, and that was where they remained for much of the next hour and a half. It was after the half-hour that Struber joined them as the head coach was left delighted by a flowing move that involved Jason Knight, Zak Vyner, Riis, and then Mehmeti to double the lead heading into the break.

Some may have expected City to take their foot off the gas after the restart, but if anything, the Robins kicked on. By 66 minutes, Rob Atkinson had headed home the third, and two minutes later Borges and Riis had combined again for the latter to turn his second past Nathan Baxter, and the result was well and truly beyond doubt.