Robins Trundle on...

Bristol City are firmly back on track, following a run of three defeats in a row by going five games unbeaten. A win away at Watford, and a draw away at neighbours Plymouth in a game we should have won, has restored confidence, although the huge police operation I had to encounter to watch the game hindered my enjoyment of it.

At the weekend I witnessed a typical derby against Cardiff City - full of passion and determination, but lacking in real quality. The atmosphere throughout the encounter was electric with the Cardiff fans booing ex-Swansea player Lee Trundle at every opportunity. He had the last laugh with a lucky touch on his left shoulder sending Marvin Elliot’s header in to the net just after the half time break. We had chances to extend our lead with David Noble and Ivan Sproule going close with close range efforts, but 1-0 was enough.

Cardiff had made things tricky for themselves when Steven Thompson was sent off for a disgraceful tackle on goalkeeper Adriano Basso after just 15 minutes. As is usually the case, it was not easy playing against ten men as they packed their defence. Fortunately an in-swinging corner by Lee Johnson to Elliot helped give us all three points.

We are nearly at the half way stage in the season and we are sitting comfortably in third place. Before the season began, I would have laughed at the suggestion that after 22 games we would be chasing the leaders. Many predicted that we would struggle while others would have settled for a mid table position at this point. It just shows the belief this team has. We are still keen to catch West Brom and could find ourselves top if we win next Saturday against Barnsley.

Credit has to go Gary Johnson who in just over two years has created a winning team and I am sure we will be challenging for the play-offs in May. With the announcement recently of new training ground ready for next season, and plans for a new 30,000 all-seater stadium to be built by 2011, these are exciting times for City.

We are close to the top of the table and with the transfer window fast approaching, if we make a couple a good signings we could really mount a challenge this season. I am probably getting carried away of dreaming of the promise land but I think that’s allowed after years of disappointment. But first and foremost we need to get to the 50 point mark to ensure survival and then kick on. The future’s bright, the future’s red!

ANDY DAVIES