Danny Haynes claims he and his Bristol City team-mates will feel no pressure when they finally meet arch-rivals Cardiff in tomorrow night's rearranged FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate. It could be argued that both sides have a point to prove after falling short of expectations during the busy festive programme. But City striker Haynes reckons taking on the Bluebirds in a knockout format will serve as a breath of fresh air compared with the rigours of the Coca-Cola Championship campaign. "This game could not have come at a better time for us," said Haynes. "We're going through a bit of a sticky patch in the league and it will do us good to take a break and focus on the FA Cup. It's a one-off game with no points at stake and it's one we are really looking forward to."
Bristol Evening Post
Nicky Maynard says he and his Bristol City team-mates are desperate to play against Cardiff City in the FA Cup tomorrow night. Without a win in any of their last five outings, the Robins are in need of a victory to restore lost confidence and appease supporters who are becoming increasingly critical of manager Gary Johnson and his team. But the mid-winter freeze which has gripped the entire country for the past 10 days has served only to increase the pressure on City's players. Although tomorrow's third-round clash at Ashton Gate is in doubt, City staff are working around the clock to ensure the stadium is ready, in the knowledge that Maynard and his team-mates are eager to return to action. "We just want to get out there and play," said City's 11-goal top-scorer.
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists the chain of events leading to Saturday's game at Crystal Palace being called off should not be allowed to happen again. Johnson is still upset that he and his team were advised to travel on Friday afternoon, only for the Championship fixture to be postponed by match referee Kevin Wright before the team coach could even arrive in the capital. Having informed City at 2.30pm that the Selhurst Park pitch was fine, Crystal Palace officials then announced at 4pm that a pitch inspection would follow an hour later. The referee finally inspected at 6pm, took the decision to have another look on Saturday morning, before changing his mind just moments later and calling the game off. Frustrated that he and his players were made to waste so much time on what was ultimately a futile journey, Johnson pointed the finger of blame at all parties involved in the postponement. He fumed: "I feel all parties disrespected us by leaving the decision as late as possible on Friday in order to get the game on."
Bristol Evening Post
