Football Manning so proud of his 'special group' of Robins players

IAM Manning admits he is "so proud" of his "special" group of Bristol City players after the Robins secured their spot in the Championship play-offs with a draw against Preston North End on Saturday lunchtime.

- Daniel CARTER

A brace from Ross McCrorie ensured the Reds came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Paul Heckingbottom's side at Ashton Gate. While the point lifted the mood around BS3, it didn't have a major impact on the league table with City ultimately finishing two points clear of seventh-placed Blackburn Rovers.

City will now face Sheffield United in a two-legged semi final, with the first leg at Ashton Gate on Thursday night (8pm)

Emil Riis handed the away side the lead after 28 minutes when he headed home from a Robbie Brady corner and that advantage was doubled on the hour mark when Milutin Osmajic calmly slotted under Max O'Leary. Just as it looked as though the Robins would fall at the final hurdle, McCrorie scored his fourth and fifth of the season within the space of five minutes to bring a sense of hope to south Bristol.