Source: Team_Talk
McLeish applauds 'dominant' Blues
Franck Queudrue's bullet header finally won it for Blues in the 87th minute, but it seemed like they would be punished for failing to convert a host of earlier chances.
Radhi Jaidi and Martin Taylor both saw efforts come back off the crossbar while an unmarked Lee Bowyer somehow headed wide from only four yards.
Robins keeper Adriano Basso was also called into action on more than one occasion, most notably after five minutes when he instinctively tipped Bowyer's effort over the crossbar from close range.
The victory, along with a much-improved performance with intensity and a high tempo, was nothing less than Blues deserved after a run of just two victories from their past 10 Championship games.
And, most importantly, it takes them above Reading and back into second place - just three points behind leaders Wolves.
"It would have been a bit of a travesty if we hadn't of won that game," said McLeish. "It's as much as we've dominated a game the entire season, but saying that, Bristol are a very slick side and they counter-attacked well.
"I thought we thoroughly deserved to win. We retained our belief right until the death, had plenty of corners, and it was a relief to see Franck get on the end of one, and then there was no stopping it.
"It was a great approach from the players and a great spirit, and I think that's why the fans were so appreciative."
McLeish made it clear he was targeting a maximum six points from the game and Saturday's home encounter against Southampton.
And he knows this victory could provide the springboard needed to mount a consistent challenge for a place in the top two.
"That's our aim over the next few weeks, to get a run of victories, but we know it's not easy, wherever you go you find a tough game," he added.
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson had to travel back to the West Country immediately after the game and did not attend the post-match press conference.
But coach Alan Walsh, who was sent instead, admitted the game could have taken on a different complexion had Dele Adebola not squandered a great opportunity to open the scoring after just two minutes
"He's broke clear down the left and cut inside but the shot has just gone the wrong side of a post. If that goes in then it changes the complex of the game and you've got something to hold on to," he said.
"They were putting us under sustained pressure from corners and free-kicks.
"We thought we were holding out and then three minutes from the end they got the goal.
"But it's a hard place to come, they put you under a lot of pressure and for 87 minutes we held out."
