We Need A Better Start - Flint

City conceded after just four minutes at Leyton Orient in midweek and found themselves 3-0 down inside 26 minutes when they were beaten by Colchester United last month.

Manager Steve Cotterill has already spoken about the need to stop giving opposition teams a “leg up” in games. And it’s a sentiment Flint agrees with.

“We need to start the game a lot better than we did at Leyton Orient,” the central defender told Bristol City Player.

“Obviously we responded and scored three goals to win it; the boys enjoyed the game because it was so comfortable.

“However, it’s important we don’t keep giving home teams early leads like we did against Orient and Colchester.

“That’ll be something we’ll be looking to improve on tomorrow and also on Tuesday (away at Yeovil).

“We need to be switched on and concentrate from the first whistle.”

Dean Saunders’ Crawley will be desperate for three points tomorrow in their bid to beat the drop.

Flint continued: “We can’t underestimate teams going into these matches.

“These sides are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, so we need to make sure we treat it like a top of the table clash.”

Following a positive February, Flint has recently been nominated for the Sky Bet Player of the Month award for the second time this season.

He played every minute of City’s eight games during the month, helping to keep four clean sheets and scoring two goals to boot.

“I’d never been nominated before so it’s nice to have been nominated twice in one season,” added Flint.

“The team comes first. February was a good move, except for the defeats against Colchester and Sheffield United.

“We managed to keep a number of clean sheets and I was pleased to chip with a few goals as well.

“I enjoy scoring and I’ve popped up in the right places recently. However, I enjoy getting clean sheets more.”