Manager Cannot Fault Players After City Outplay Preston In Draw

But it was another case of the result not telling the full story, as City dominated their fellow Sky Bet Championship newcomers in one of their best performances of the season to date.

The visitors were powerless to prevent Neil Kilkenny breaking the deadlock with a stunning 30-yard strike against his former club, but still had chances to win the game even after Aaron Wilbraham headed a terrific equaliser nine minutes from time.

“I thought we were brilliant tonight,” Cotterill told Bristol City Player HD.

“I watched the Preston v Derby game yesterday and Derby never dominated Preston like we just have.

“They won the game, which was more important, but I thought we were outstanding. One hundred percent we should have had three points.

“You don’t want anybody else on the end of those crosses – it was a delicious cross from Joe (Bryan) and Aaron really stuck his eyes through the ball.

“It was only just that the net bulged like it did. Unfortunately it didn’t just bulge one more time, because how we haven’t scored a winner, I’ll never ever know.

“We haven’t got enough points that our performances have warranted, but I was delighted with the boys – they were magnificent.

“We’re on the cusp of something, and when things change we are going to be really good.

“It’s there and it’s waiting to explode. As a manager I’m really proud of the team to have played that football tonight at a really difficult venue.”