Flint and Bryan handed suspensions

Flint was shown a straight red card after an altercation with former left-back Greg Cunningham.

Dismissals for violent conduct trigger an instant three-match ban, meaning Flint will be absent for forthcoming fixtures with Burton Albion, Ipswich Town and Barnsley.

Bryan will also miss clashes with Burton and Ipswich after picking up his tenth caution of the season - which carries a two-game suspension.

Assistant head coach Dean Holden told BCTV: "Flinty has gone to ground and it could have been a penalty.

"Then one of their lads (Cunningham) has run his hand across Flinty's face; he's reacted.

"No matter what the provocation is, if you lift your hands you're going to get a red card."

He added: "Joe's gone for the ball. It was an honest attempt to get the ball and I actually thought he got something on it."

BARE BONES

The absence of Flint and Bryan heightens the need for Nathan Baker to recover from a groin issue which has sidelined him for the last two games.

Holden added: "Bakes failed a fitness test on Saturday and he didn't travel [to Preston].

"We'll get back to Bristol and assess him tomorrow. We've got Lloydy (Kelly) and Maggy (Hordur Magnusson) who can both play that position as well.

"The squad is going to be needed. We've said for weeks about the lads coming back from injury and the players on the periphery - they need to step in now."

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