ROBINS KEEP CONTROL OF FOREST FIRE

BRISTOL CITY’S FA Cup adventure continued with another dogged display against Premier League opposition at Ashton Gate.

While neither goalkeeper was forced into a meaningful save, Liam Manning’s Championship side more than held their own against resolute Nottingham Forest and were unlucky not to follow up their third-round replay win over West Ham.

The visitors improved after two half-time changes by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, but had to defend for their lives at times.

Both sides squandered excellent first-half chances, the Robins’ opportunity coming on 24 minutes when Tommy Conway’s first-time shot flashed past the near post from an Anis Mehmeti cross.

Forest had to wait until a minute before the break for a clear opening, which saw Danilo fire inches wide, with many travelling fans at the other end thinking he had found the back of the net.

City controlled much of the half and were particularly threatening down their left flank where Cam Pring combined effectively with Mehmeti on several occasions.

A minute of first-half stoppage time saw Jason Knight head just over for the hosts, who left the pitch to warm applause from their supporters, having produced some slick passing football.

Nuno (above) was sufficiently concerned to make two half-time substitutions, sending on Morgan Gibbs-white and Neco Williams for Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez.

The changes had a positive effect and a stretching Chris Wood had a header comfortably saved by Max O’leary.

But City still posed a threat and Mehmeti just failed to make contact with a George Tanner cross into the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy.

Substitute Sam Bell got into a great position to break the deadlock on 70 minutes, but had his shot from inside the box blocked with Conway well placed for a square pass.

At the other end, Callum Hudsonodoi sent a fierce drive inches wide, but the home side responded immediately with Bell (top) having a shot blocked and Pring firing wide.

Pring had a a better chance five minutes from time, but could only find the side-netting.