We Showed Another Side To Our Game - Freeman

The midfielder set City on their way to victory with a tenth-minute opener on a boggy Keepmoat Stadium pitch.

And Freeman was delighted City were able to cope with the uneven surface, having come unstuck in similar conditions at Colchester United on Saturday.

The former Stevenage midfielder told Bristol City Player: “We slipped up on Saturday and it was tough to bounce back.

“The pitch wasn’t the best again and we had to play effective football, even if it wasn’t the prettiest to the eye.

“The pitch was boggy and sticky. You couldn’t really play flowing football. Sometimes you have to be able to adapt after the winter months.

“It’s nice that we’ve been able to show a different side to our game.”

The opening goal had a touch of fortune about it as a deflected Aaron Wilbraham pass put Freeman in the clear to beat Stephen Bywater.

He recalled: “Alby tried switching the play and it got half-blocked before bouncing into my path. You have to be on your toes for opportunities like that.

“I thought the keeper was going to come out but thankfully he didn’t. It allowed me time to control it and slot the ball under him.

“It makes a big difference to get your noses in front, especially away from home on the back of a defeat.

“We knew it would be difficult; they suffered a defeat at the weekend (3-0 to Port Vale). We had to take our chances and I’m glad we did.”

Freeman’s goal also prompted a bizarre dancing celebration, with pictures immediately going viral.

The goalscorer revealed: “Marlon Pack came up with a new dance and we said if anyone scores we’d do it.

“It was good to see the lads joining in. I wasn’t sure if they would and maybe they’d leave me on my own doing it!”

City now lead second-placed MK Dons by five points and sit seven clear of Swindon Town in the leading play-off place.

“We could be further in front, but to be five points clear at the top with everyone now having played the same number of games, it’s a good position to be in,” reasoned Freeman.

“It’s been a tough month for us and it’s been physically demanding with lots of games to play. We just have to keep going and push on now.”