Gary Johnson spoke of his pride after City beat Preston 3-0 to ensure of a fourth-placed finish in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Goals from Lee Trundle, Michael McIndoe and David Noble completed a comfortable afternoon for City at Ashton Gate against a Lilywhites side who had nothing to play for but pride.

 TV: Gary Johnson post-match press conference
 TV: Post-match pitch reaction

Now City will face Crystal Palace in the play-off semi-finals over two legs; on Saturday, May 10th and Tuesday, May 13th.

Asked for a reaction to his side's play-off opponents, Gary told Bristol City World: "Fantastic...whoever we would have got in the play-offs I would have said fantastic.

"I'm really looking forward to it. Neil Warnock's had a great run of form to get into the play-offs. They're one of the form teams but it was always going to be a difficult two legs, whoever we were to play.

"We had to get our goals back, our football back. And now we're ready to go into the play-offs.

"It's important the players feel good about going into the play-offs. the players weren't worried who we would play, we're the fourth best team in the Championship. That's a superb achievement.

"We have to take on all comers. In fairness, Preston were up there as well as one of the form teams.

"To score three goals against Preston and play like we did, we could be ready at just the right time.

"This wasn't a testimonial, Preston certainly didn't play like they had nothing to play for. We had a few knocks which goes to show Preston weren't there to make up the numbers."

Trundle was given the man of the match gong and admitted afterwards that it had been his best performance in a City shirt to date.

Gary added: "We do play with a certain pattern and philosophy. They've got to play with a certain fitness. Sometimes it takes lads a little time to get into my way of thinking.

"Their best game in my game can work. And sometimes it take a while for the penny to drop for them.

"Lee worked really hard and now he's ultra fit. He was unlucky not to get the fourth goal of course. I was very pleased with him like I was with all the others."

The City boss was pleased to bring on Lee Johnson for the final 24 minutes after a troublesome foot injury.

However, Steve Brooker didn't make the game as he is still troubled by a hamstring complaint.