Football That's a massive win for our confidence, says City boss

GERHARD Struber explained how Bristol City were able to showcase a different face in the opening exchanges of their win over Portsmouth, after the Robins were “on fire” early to secure a “massive” three points at Fratton Park.

- Dan CARTER [e-mail]

The Robins ended a run of three matches away from Ashton Gate without a win in a workmanlike fashion as they ran out 1-0 winners on the south coast on Saturday lunchtime. Ultimately, Anis Mehmeti’s first-half header proved to be enough to send City back into the playoff places.

With a little more than a quarter-of-an-hour played, the Albanian international found what proved to be the winner and his sixth goal of campaign. The winger rose highest to meet Neto Borges’ smart cross from the left flank and steered his header beyond Nicolas Schmid and into the Pompey net.

City had further chances to extend their advantage, but it was Portsmouth who dominated possession in the second half. Although Struber’s side found themselves under pressure late on, the Robins head coach was delighted with the intensity and intent his players showed.