Rosler joy as Town step into unknown

minutes when Devante Cole’s low cross was met at the near post by David Ball and City keeper Frank Fielding spread himself to save.

It was one of just a few clear chances in a game that saw the hosts lose Fielding and captain Korey Smith to first-half injuries.

With Hegeler impressing on the right side of a back-three, City produced plenty of neat approach play without creating many clear opportunities.

Mark Little forced a good first-half save from Alex Cairns, while Djuric shot into the sidenetting when well placed.

The second half saw the hosts become increasingly frustrated as their measured attacks lacked a final penetrating pass, and Lee Johnson’s men ended up being booed by their own fans.

Johnson said: “I was actually quite pleased with the way we played. The new boys were fantastic, particularly as we had just one day to work with them on a new formation. Jens Hegeler looked like a Rolls Royce.

“It was almost like a chess game at times and, while I am disappointed not to have won, I am not going to be defeatist. We stopped the rot of defeats, kept a clean sheet and dominated possession. So we can move forward.” UWE ROSLER heaped praise on his Fleetwood players after the League One side earned a place in the FA Cup fourthround draw for the first time in their history.

The manager took pride in a solid and well-organised display that frustrated Championship opposition fielding three new signings in Jens Hegeler, Bailey Wright and Bosnia international striker Milan Djuric.

Fleetwood created the best first-half chance and then defended with skill and tenacity as City dominated possession after the break.

A delighted Rosler said: “They controlled the game in the second half, but it was credit to our defensive organisation and attitude that we restricted them mainly to shots from outside the box.

“Keeping our good record going against a Championship club who have just made three great signings was very pleasing.

“It’s fantastic for the club to be in the fourthround draw for the first time. But what pleased me most is that my players stepped up to the tempo of facing opponents from a higher league.

“Their new players gave Bristol City a lift and they played well, which makes our performance all the more satisfying.”

Fleetwood almost took the lead on eight