Gerhard Struber praised the togetherness of his developing Bristol City team after seeing them continue an impressive start to the Championship season with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich.
The home side went in front after 18 minutes when centre-back Rob Atkinson headed in an Anis Mehmeti corner from close range. But they were pegged back seven minutes after the break when Jack Clarke netted confidently from the penalty spot.
Both teams emerged with credit from a hard-fought encounter and Struber was more than happy with his side’s performance.
“We should not forget that we were facing opponents of massive quality,” said Robins head coach Struber.
“Our boys executed the game plan in an outstanding way and, while we should have scored more, our attacking moments in transition were very difficult for them to handle.
“Once again you could see the tremendous togetherness among the players and in football that sometimes enables you to match teams who have a much greater transfer value.
“I have no complaints about the penalty. There was a touch on their player, but I was pleased that there was no crying about it from my players and they stayed totally focused in their mindset.
“We will be without Jason Knight for several weeks because of his groin injury, but Zak Vyner did so well switching to a different position, showing awareness of everything around him, and was very important to our position.
“It was great to see Rob Atkinson score from a set-piece. He has come off with an injury and we will need to wait and see if he will be available for our next game.”
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “We made what was always going to be a tough night even tougher by getting a couple of details wrong at the set-piece which brought their goal.
“In the end it was a hard-fought point. We made a good start, which was a big target, but the goal changes all the momentum in the stadium and they had other chances on transition, which they are really good at.
“To work our way back for the draw, with a well-worked move for the penalty, was pleasing, as were a couple of other moves, but we need to work on what was a frustrating way to concede a goal.”
Ipswich will now turn their attention to Sunday’s home Derby against Norwich.
McKenna added: “Our fans were brilliant after making a long journey and we desperately wanted to reward them with a win. Our new players are starting to feel their support and realise what a great club we have.
“Now we can concentrate on a big derby game at the weekend. We haven’t been talking about Norwich, but it was mentioned in the dressing room after the game and we are very much looking forward to it.”
