Keith Millen spoke proudly of the players' performance in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Ashton Gate.
The caretaker manager had the dream start when goals from Lewin Nyatanga and Nicky Maynard had City two goals to the good at half-time against the league leaders.
But in front of a sell-out crowd Newcastle showed their title credentials as Jonas Gutierrez and Andy Carroll rescued a point for the Magpies.
However, City certainly gave as good as the got, especially in the wake of a difficult week which saw Gary Johnson end his four-and-a-half association with the club.
Keith admitted on Player: "I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, I have to be honest.
"It was the perfect start for us with the lads' attitude and the fans' attitude. The atmosphere around the ground was fantastic.
"To go 2-0 up at half-time was unbelievable. Newcastle are a class side and top of the league for a reason. We knew we would be under the cosh a bit in the second half and I thought we'd weathered the storm.
"I couldn't see them scoring but another soft goal - that seems to have blighted us this season - got them back into it and from then on we were hanging on.
"I think if someone would have offered me a point before the game I think I would have taken it.
"Dean Gerken has held his hands up in the dressing room for the error (for Newcastle's first goal). I'm not blaming Dean, he said he didn't see their lad behind Skusey. It's an honest mistake and he's pulled off some terrific saves in the match.
"I think if someone would have offered me a point before the game I think I would have taken it."
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"We need to keep that spirit and work-rate; we can't be up and down like we have all season. We need that same commitment when Barnsley come here on Tuesday."
He added: "It's been a tough couple of days. Hopefully the fans will be right behind us again on Tuesday. It was a great feeling when they welcomed me at the start with terrific applause.
Asked again about his prospects for the job full-time, Keith said: "I can honestly say I can't think that far ahead. I'm going to think about it, review the game today and then concentrate on the Barnsley game. Obviously if I win the next few games then I'll be in a better position. If we lose the next two or three then people will want me out. That's how fickle football can be.
"I'm proud for the players because they gave everything today."
Jamie McAllister suffered a calf problem, leading to his half-time substitution. Liam Fontaine missed the game with an ankle problem. Both defenders are rated doubts for the Barnsley fixture.
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