Ayling Enjoys Crawley Double

The defender popped up with a late winner in the 2-1 success at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, just like he did back in December’s home fixture against the Red Devils.

“It’s goals, goals, goals against them,” grinned Ayling when speaking to Bristol City Player after the match.

“I don’t know what it is about playing Crawley – I was just nice to score against them again.

“It was obviously late in the game so we were really pleased to claim all three points.”

Luke Freeman’s sublime corner kick was met with an equally perfectly-timed run from Ayling to enable the defender to glance home the headed winner.

But Ayling admits it wasn’t really a case of practice makes perfect on this occasion.

He revealed: “On Fridays we always work on our set-pieces. Actually before the Crawley game we weren’t that good – and the gaffer told us so!

“Thankfully when it came to the game, when it mattered, we’ve come up with a winning goal from a corner.

“It’s always a tough game coming here. They have a certain way of playing and make it hard for you. We had to grind out the win.”

Ayling added: “Big credit goes to Flinty as well; he’s scoring goals for fun at the minute.

“He’s big and strong in both boxes and is a real handful. It’s just nice the win is all down to us defenders!” he joked.

Next up is a return to Huish Park for Ayling, a man who spent just over four years with the Somerset club before moving to Ashton Gate on a free in the summer.

“I had a great few seasons with Yeovil,” he said.

“Obviously there was the promotion (via the play-off final at Wembley) and playing in the Championship, which was incredible.

“I know the last season ended in disappointment (relegation) but I still have some great memories of playing at Yeovil.

“I’ve got plenty of friends down there and it will be great to see them again, but hopefully afterwards it’ll be us smiling.”