Robins axe Johnson as Ward strike sends Bluebirds flying high
BRISTOL CITY boss Lee Johnson paid for this defeat in the Severnside derby with his job.
The City board made the decision to give Johnson the boot after the match, following a nine-match winless run.
Assistant head coach Dean Holden will take over in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor after Johnson’s sacking.
City chief executive Mark Ashton said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts.
“There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them. However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the board believes that a change of management is needed now.”
Neil Harris praised the impact of his super-subs after Lee Tomlin and Danny Ward combined for Cardiff’s priceless late winner.
Former Robins player Tomlin capitalised on poor control from Benik Afobe to grab possession in the 85th minute.
He put his fellow sub in with a precise pass and Ward slotted a clinical low shot past Dan Bentley.
It was a strike that boosted Cardiff’s play-off bid, while almost certainly leaving their opponents to face another season in the second tier.
Harris said: “We have seen the importance of the players on our bench in recent games and it was evident again. People may wonder why Tommo and Wardy didn’t start, but both have had fitness issues.
“The question was did we want them on at the start or the end. “It worked out well. “We want to dedicate the win to our fans who could not attend. We knew the importance of local rivalry and hopefully they will enjoy a few beers.
“This side has become tough to beat, while we have that bit of magic in us. There is a clear gameplan and the players are carrying it out.”
It might have been a different story had Bristol substitute Filip Benkovic not headed wide from Jamie Paterson’s
81stminute corner when he should have scored.
Both goalkeepers made fine saves, City’s Bentley to keep out a second-half shot from Joe Ralls and Cardiff’s Alex Smithies to palm a 67th-minute volley from Nahki Wells wide.
Cardiff edged a first half of poor quality but the hosts rallied in the second period and rued their missed chances to take the lead.
While the visitors strengthened their place in the play-offs, the Robins now have to make up nine points in five games and look out of contention.