Gary Johnson admits Bristol City must discover a cutting edge in attack if they are to have any chance of making the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs this season. City wasted a chance to climb the table after being held 1-1 by Coventry at Ashton Gate on Saturday. Manager Johnson spoke of his frustration after seeing his strikers squander a host of goalscoring opportunities to allow two points to go begging. And he is ready to make changes when City return to action at Watford tomorrow night. Leading scorer Nicky Maynard is struggling to be fit for the visit to Vicarage Road after he sustained a dead leg at the weekend, and Danny Haynes is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up. David Clarkson pressed his claims, when he came off the bench to score a late equaliser against the Sky Blues, and Johnson says he will do whatever it takes for his team to rediscover their touch in front of goal. Although City have bounced back from the 6-0 mauling at the hands of Cardiff to secure draws against Middlesbrough and Coventry, their lack of firepower is giving cause for concern. City have scored just once in the last four outings, and Johnson said: "The only thing that is missing is that bit of quality in the final third. We had enough of the play against Coventry to have won the game comfortably, yet we've ended up having to come from behind and score a late goal to save a point. I thought we looked solid in defence and midfield and were all right until we reached the edge of their penalty area."
Bristol Evening Post

As a bulging net confirmed David Clarkson's first Championship goal in more than six months, the collective sense of relief which swirled around Ashton Gate was almost tangible. Soundly thrashed 6-0 by arch-rivals Cardiff in their last home game, City's hard-pressed players and management needed another defeat in front of their own fans like the proverbial hole in the head. Yet that unpalatable prospect became a distinct possibility once David Bell had swept Coventry in front early in the second half. Indeed, the Sky Blues were just 16 minutes away from a historic first win in BS3 since 1963 when Clarkson announced himself from the substitutes' bench. His introduction proved an inspired move on the part of City boss Gary Johnson, who opted to gamble and throw caution to the wind in a bid to salvage the point which represented the minimum requirement for a team denuded of confidence following a meagre return of two wins in 15 outings. Clarkson last scored against Preston at Deepdale on the opening day of the season, since when he has been affected by serious illness and endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Bristol Evening Post

Chris Coleman is delighted that his Coventry City side are building up a reputation as one of the Championship's mean machines. And he believes that Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City will be upgraded from a good result to a great point if the Sky Blues can topple Nottingham Forest at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow night. Coventry were on course for victory at Ashton Gate until substitute David Clarkson pounced seven minutes from time to wipe out David Bell's stunning opener, and Coleman admitted: "It was disappointing after getting so close to three points. But that's three games unbeaten against three tough teams now and it moves us up the table."
Coventry Telegraph

Chris Coleman admitted he was happy with a point against Bristol City before confirming he hoped to sign TWO strikers before the end of the week. The Sky Blues boss was happy enough with the 1-1 draw after seeing his side defend in numbers from the first whistle. "Bristol were better than us in the first half and we had to switch from 4-4-2 to match their five in midfield," he said.
Coventry Telegraph

Chris Coleman admitted he must bring in two hitmen on loan - fast. The Coventry boss said: "The next four matches could define our season. I need to bring in strikers and I'd like them before we play Nottingham Forest on Tuesday!" David Bell put Coventry up but home sub David Clarkson - recovering from swine flu - levelled. Boss Gary Johnson said: "He seems to be on his way back from the illness at last."
The Sun

David Clarkson is determined to make a major impact on English football - at the second attempt. Signed from Motherwell last summer, the Bristol City striker netted in the first game of the campaign against Preston and looked set for a prolific season. But Clarkson was then struck down by a mystery virus similar to swine flu and his late equaliser in this game ended a six-month wait to add to that opening day strike. "Hopefully, this can be a fresh start for me," he said. "The illness took all my strength. I was confined to bed for three weeks and then had to undergo a second pre-season training schedule to regain match fitness."
Mirror

Bristol City are taking an unusual approach to their search for young goalkeeping talent. The Robins' academy is suffering from problems that are mirrored across the country - an inability to find enough good quality goalkeepers. It is an issue that any schoolboy can remember. So often the 11th best player in a team ends up in goal, regardless of his ability. Since City attained academy status in 1998, only one goalkeeper has gone on to play league football - current Cheltenham Town No 1 Scott Brown. City have often found themselves using outfield players between the posts on a rotational basis in their junior academy matches.
Bristol Evening Post