Robins produced right response, says Pearson
SHEFFIELD W BRISTOL CITY 1 1
NIGEL Pearson was pleased with the commitment shown by his Bristol City side as they fought with ten men to claim a point against relegation-haunted Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls had looked on course for a vital victory when Julian Borner put them into an early lead, and they were given a further boost as the Robins had Henri Lansbury sent off for deliberate handball. However, Wednesday captain Barry Bannan saw his spot-kick saved by City goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. And three minutes from time, Tyreeq Bakinson scored a long-range equaliser.
Robins boss Pearson praised his team’s courage against his old side.
He said: “I have questioned and other people have questioned our commitment at times (this season), but this was an example of the type of response we needed.
“Decisions didn’t always go our way and the penalty is an example of that. He didn’t touch it, but I understand why it was given. In real time it looks that way.
“These things happen and players responded in the right way.
“It’s a tough time for Wednesday and with (manager) Darren (Moore) not being here (due to Covid-triggered pneumonia). I feel for them.
“I still have a lot of fondness for the club. It was a big part of mine and my family’s lives, so I don’t get a lot of satisfaction from coming here and contributing to a tough situation.
“Tyreeq showed the right response and that’s by performing. What we have to remember is he is still a very young player. He was very good.
“In possession he was very assured, but he also did the leg work, because he had to. And that’s really important for us. We couldn’t have got the result that we got without every player being fully committed. And I think he was exemplary.”
Pearson was part of the Sheffield Wednesday side that won what is now the Carabao Cup 30 years ago, and he added: “I saw a picture from when we celebrated at the town hall and I’ve aged. Let’s put it like that. It feels an awful long time ago.
“My daughter is 30 so it feels a long time ago. She’s expecting her first baby, so that puts life in perspective.
“And when you look at Sheffield Wednesday, it’s been a long time since the fans have had enjoyment that they’ve craved. At the moment it’s a difficult task for them. Let’s hope the good times come again.”
The hosts scored with their first chance of the game when Borner headed home Josh Windass’ delivery from close range.
Lansbury was then sent off for apparently handling Callum Paterson’s goalbound shot with his hand, but Bentley dived to his right to deny Bannon from 12 yards.
Bakinson drove an effort high over the crossbar with just over a quarter of an hour to go, but he then found an unlikely equaliser in the 87th minute of the game, firing the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Sheff Wed: Westwood, Hutchinson (Kachunga 89), Lees, Borner, Palmer, Pelupessy, Bannan, Reach, Harris (Green 73), Windass, Paterson (Rhodes 73). Not Used: van Aken, Dele-Bashiru, Urhoghide, Wildsmith, Hunt, Brennan. Booked: Hutchinson.
Goals: Borner 4.
City: Bentley, Hunt (Nagy 81), Vyner, Kalas, Rowe, Lansbury, Massengo (Palmer 88), Pearson (Janneh 56), Bakinson, Semenyo (Sessegnon 56), Diedhiou (Wells 56). Not Used: O’Leary, Mariappa, Towler, Conway.
Sent Off: Lansbury (21).
Goals: Bakinson 87.
Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland).