Bristol City's Lewin Nyatanga insists he will learn from being sent off and become a better player because of it. Red-carded for a second cautionable offence during the Christmas Bank Holiday game against Watford at Ashton Gate, the Welsh international defender's sense of disappointment knew no bounds when City's 10 men capitulated to Watford in time added on, conceding a last-gasp goal which deprived them of victory and two precious Coca-Cola Championship points. Disconsolate in the dressing room, Nyatanga could not help but feel personally responsible for his team-mates drawing a contest they should have won. But he says he has learned from the experience and become a "stronger character" because of it. "I was really disappointed after what happened, especially when the lads let in that late goal," said the former Derby County centre-back. "Football has its ups and its downs and that was a particular low point for me. Hopefully, I won't make that mistake again."
Bristol Evening Post
Gavin Williams believes his late equaliser against Cardiff in Tuesday's FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate can help spark a revival in Bristol City's fortunes. It was the Welshman who found himself in the right place at the right time to rescue City, following Michael Chopra's 75th-minute opener for Cardiff, and set up a replay in the Welsh capital on Tuesday. But City must first negotiate a home Coca-Cola Championship assignment against Preston this afternoon - and Williams reckons the midweek fightback will serve to inspire City ahead of what promises to be another difficult game. "When you score a goal that deep into injury-time to draw a match, it always feels as though you have won," said the former Yeovil, West Ham and Ipswich midfielder. "We've been on the receiving end of several late goals this season, so it made a welcome change for the boot to be on the other foot."
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City groundsman Craig Richardson has warned the club to prepare for another big freeze next week. Although the Ashton Gate pitch has survived the thaw and today's Coca-Cola Championship game against Preston North End is expected to go ahead as scheduled, this weekend's warmer conditions offer only a temporary respite. Another cold front is expected on Monday, with temperatures set to drop well below zero once again. And Richardson said there is a 65 per cent chance of snowfall in Bristol and South Wales ahead of City's FA Cup third-round replay at Cardiff on Tuesday. "I'm afraid there is more bad weather to come," said Richardson, who described the recent freezing conditions as the worst he has known since taking over as City's head groundsman several seasons ago. "It's been an absolute nightmare, worse than anything I've had to deal with in my career."
Bristol Evening Post
Bristol City have quelled reports they have tabled a bid for Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper. Reports this week claimed the Robins were lining up a bid of £1.5million for the talented youngster. Hooper, 21, has notched nine goals this season after helping steer the Iron to promotion to the Championship last term. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by a number of clubs said to be keen on his services, but boss Nigel Adkins insists he is not for sale. City boss Gary Johnson has rubbished the connection, insisting he would never discuss the club's targets in public.
Sky Sports
Merthyr Tydfil-born Gavin Williams smashed home Bristol City's injury time equaliser at Ashton Gate - and booked himself another outing against his beloved Bluebirds. The Welsh international scored in the 1-1 FA Cup draw in Bristol and the teams meet again at Cardiff City Stadium. "I played in our league match at Cardiff City when the Bluebirds won 3-0 and it's a fantastic new stadium," said Williams, chatting in the weights room at Ashton Gate. "Personally, I loved the atmosphere at Ninian Park. That was the stadium where I watched Cardiff City as a lad."
Wales Online
