Flying winger Ivan Sproule today dedicated the best goal of his career to the Bristol City family. Recalled to the starting line-up against Leicester last night, the Irishman produced a goal of stunning quality to inspire a notable 3-1 triumph at the Walkers Stadium. And his first goal of the season represented a triumph of fortitude over adversity. Sproule and his family suffered terrible personal tragedy at the end of October when his wife, Janet, delivered a stillborn child in Bristol's Southmead Hospital. Sproule spent nearly two weeks grieving in Northern Ireland before returning to Ashton Gate to pick up the pieces. He made brief substitute appearances in home games against Sheffield United and Ipswich before being promoted to the starting line-up for the first time since featuring at Swansea on September 15. And he fully justified his recall after 19 minutes at the Walkers Stadium, setting off on a searing run from 30 yards out, beating four defenders and shooting past former City team-mate Chris Weale to score a quite breathtaking goal. "I'm just glad I've been able to give something back to the club," said an emotional Sproule. "As everybody knows, my wife and I have gone through a pretty hard time and it's been difficult getting over what happened to us. But everyone at the club and all the supporters have been amazing. We've been looked after and received so many letters and messages of support. It's been an emotional time for me and my family and I think that all came out as I celebrated the goal. It means such a lot to me."
Bristol Evening Post

Leicester City suffered their second heavy defeat in the space of just four days as Bristol City comfortably added to City manager Nigel Pearson's recent woes. Two stunning first-half goals from Ivan Sproule and Cole Skuse put the Robins on their way. Evander Sno made sure of the points in the second half before substitute Matty Fryatt added a late consolation.
Leicester Mercury

Ivan Sproule emerged from the turmoil of personal tragedy to put Bristol City's play-off bid back on track. Sproule has only recently returned from compassionate leave, after his wife lost a baby. But he re-ignited City's bid for a top six place with a wonderful solo goal.
Mirror

Ivan Sproule put personal tragedy behind him to give Nigel Pearson another taste of that sinking feeling. Bristol City's Northern Ireland international has only recently returned to first-team duty after his wife lost a baby. But he returned from compassionate leave with his ­family, striking a wonder goal to pile on the misery for Leicester boss Pearson. Sproule conjured a superb solo effort after only 19 ­minutes to light up the Walker's Stadium and give City a sniff of their first league win in these parts since 1915.
Daily Star

Just when Leicester City believed it couldn't get any worse, it did. Humiliated by a 5-1 defeat at neighbours Nottingham Forest on Saturday, they found themselves humbled at home by Bristol City, who last won at Leicester 94 years ago. A repeat of that was on the cards last night from the 19th minute when Northern Irishman Ivan Sproule scored a superb opening goal. He waltzed his way around three markers on the right of the penalty area before angling his left foot shot low inside the far post. Sproule stripped down to the waist in the joy of the moment after a season of restricted appearances due to family heartache, and was booked for his revelation.
Daily Mail

Leicester City's attempt to achieve two successive promotions suffered a second blow in four days last night when they were beaten 3-1 at home by Bristol City in the Coca-Cola Championship. Having lost 5-1 away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Leicester were two goals down by half-time, with Ivan Sproule and Cole Skuse on target, before Evander Sno added a third. Matty Fryatt pulled a goal back in stoppage time but Leicester's miserable night was complete when Martyn Waghorn was sent off.
Times

Nigel Pearson was forced to endure more humiliation as his side were torn apart for the second time in four days. Pearson, who described Saturday's 5-1 loss at Forest as the worst display since he became Foxes boss, said: "It's very disappointing. It was important we scored first but instead we conceded two goals in quick succession." Ivan Sproule and Cole Skuse scored in the 19th and 29th minutes to put the Robins in control before Evander Sno made it three on 76 minutes.
The Sun

Swansea City boss Paulo Sousa once again remained coy on club hero Lee Trundle's future, despite the striker's third goal in two games securing all three points against Plymouth. Sousa, who praised Trundle as a "great professional," has always insisted the striker's future will be decided when his loan from Bristol City expires in January.
Wales Online