Bristol City took a significant step towards securing a Championship play-off place with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Sunderland at Ashton Gate.
Rob Dickie and Ross McCrorie scored second-half goals to turn the game around after Eliezer Mayenda had given the visitors a surprise lead, despite the early dismissal of Trai Hume.
The Black Cats, who had already guaranteed their play-off spot, were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes when Hume was shown a straight red card for bringing down Nahki Wells as the last defender. From that point on, City dominated possession.
Joe Williams went close shortly after the sending off, firing wide after the resulting free-kick deflected into his path. However, it was Sunderland who struck first, with Mayenda embarking on a stunning solo run from deep inside his own half before finishing neatly for his first goal in seven games.
Bristol City thought they had equalised soon after when George Earthy tapped home a rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The pressure eventually told after the break. Dickie pulled the Robins level ten minutes into the second half with a superb curling shot from distance that left Anthony Patterson with no chance.
Despite heroic defending from Sunderland, including a crucial goal-line clearance from Leo Hjelde to deny McCrorie, the home side finally broke through again. McCrorie smashed home a powerful drive with 14 minutes remaining to complete the comeback and secure a massive three points.
Liam Manning Praise For Robins
City boss Liam Manning praised his side’s persistence after the final whistle:
“[It’s a] massive win. I’m lost for words. We played Hull here not so long ago, they went down to 10-men and it was a disappointing one [to not win].
“We stuck at it. The message at half-time was to stay calm and patient and to create a bit of chaos. The lads stuck at it and kept going.”
The Robins remain fifth in the Championship, four points clear of Middlesbrough in seventh with three games remaining. Sunderland, meanwhile, stay fourth despite the defeat.
Writer’s View
This was a critical win for Bristol City at just the right time. Despite falling behind against ten men, the Robins showed real character and attacking intent to eventually break Sunderland down. With the play-offs now firmly within reach, Liam Manning’s side must build on this momentum to finish the job in the final matches.
