Bristol City manager Liam Manning has vowed to keep his team grounded after they reached the Championship top six with a dominant win over Middlesbrough. The Robins were held to a stalemate in the first half, but a resurgent performance after the interval saw them claim all three points and leapfrog their opponents in the table.
The visitors were lucky to go into the break on level terms, with Boro goalkeeper Mark Travers making a string of impressive saves to deny the hosts. But it was a different story in the second half, as City came out with renewed vigor and purpose. Travers was once again called upon to make a number of spectacular stops, but even he couldn't prevent the Bristol City onslaught as they eventually broke through to seal the win.
Despite the impressive nature of the victory, Manning was quick to urge caution and emphasize the importance of remaining focused. With the Championship season entering its final stretch, the City boss knows that there is still much work to be done if his side are to achieve their promotion ambitions. The win over Boro marks a significant milestone for the Robins, but Manning is well aware that there will be plenty of twists and turns between now and the end of the campaign.
For Middlesbrough, the defeat is a setback to their own promotion hopes. The Teessiders had been in good form of late, but they were unable to cope with the intensity and pressure applied by City in the second half. Travers can hold his head high after a string of outstanding saves, but he will be disappointed that his efforts ultimately went unrewarded. As for City, they will look to build on the momentum generated by this win as they seek to cement their place in the top six and push on towards the Premier League.