The Robins hitting form at a crucial time

BBC News

09-04-2025

Bristol City consolidated their position in the play off positions in a thrilling game at Ashton Gate as they beat faltering West Bromwich Albion 2-1.The teams were all square at half time although City would have taken a deserved interval lead were it not for two stunning saves from former Bristol Rovers loanee goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.Nahki Wells keeps rolling back the years - he's 35 in June - and the Bermudian showed his class to turn the defender and stroke the ball into the far corner almost on the hour to give City the lead that their high energy display deserved.For a few minutes, they really turned on the style before a calamitous misunderstanding between Max O'Leary and Cam Pring presented Alex Mowatt with and easy chance to equalise. That heralded a period of dominance by the Baggies and with both teams introducing four subs each (65 minutes in for West Brom; 75 mins for City) the game moved towards its closing finale.O'Leary atoned for any blame that might have been attached to him for the goal conceded with two saves and then the visitors had Jayson Molumby sent off for a rash challenge on Joe Williams. With five minutes of added time signalled, City were camped on the edge of Albion's area probing for a way through and it actually came in the 96th minute when a corner was only half cleared and Rob Dickie slipped the ball to Haydon Roberts to prod home, the goal going between the keeper's legs.The roof literally came off Ashton Gate as the crowd erupted, such was the importance of gaining all three points against a fellow play off challenger. It drew comparison with Korey Smith's late goal against Manchester United in 2017 and in the play-offs when Christian Roberts earned victory over Hartlepool to see Bristol City the 2004 final.City are hitting form at just the right time and need fear no one at this critical point of the season.You can hear more from David Pottier on the fans podcast Forever Bristol City, external.