Western Daily Press (Saturday)
City’s Paterson calls for 90-minute performance
JAMIE Paterson says Bristol City need to find their rhythm earlier when they take on Preston North End at Ashton Gate this afternoon.
The attacking midfielder insists City have the confidence to do the job, despite results having not gone their way in previous outings in the Sky Bet Championship.
A 3-2 defeat away to Reading came after a 1-0 loss at home to Stoke City, despite the Robins’ pressure to fight back in a bid to pick up points.
“The boys are confident (ahead of the Preston game),” Paterson, pictured, told the official club website.
“Despite the result at Reading, the performance was good, the second half especially. Now we need to give that performance for the full 90 minutes.
“I’ve been in the Championship long enough to know that you can’t underestimate any team. Reading were at the bottom end of the table, but they ended up getting three points, even though we felt we deserved more.
“Preston is always a tough game, but hopefully we can give the fans something to cheer about and send them home happy.”
While Paterson has been in and out of the starting XI this season, his mentality has always been on keeping himself ready for the call.
He added: “It’s difficult being in and out, but we have a lot of players at the front line.
“It’s about grabbing your chance with both hands, which isn’t easy, but you have to try hard on and off the pitch, and be ready to take your chance.” TAUNTON will be without topscorer Rocky Neal for today’s Premier Division South game at home to Wimborne.
Neal, who snapped up both goals in a 2-1 win at Wincanton in the Somerset Premier Cup in midweek, completes a threematch suspension.
Taunton fielded a muchchanged side for the tie at Wincanton, but will be back at virtual full strength
The Somerset side’s boss Rob Dray said: “Taunton have a reputation for being horrible to play against, and I’m keen for us to play up to that.
“We need to grind out results with a tough Christmas period ahead of us.
“The league is very, very tight, with the odd goal deciding games. I think it will be tight all season, and the top sides can beat each other on any given day.
“I believe two points a game on average is enough to make the play-offs – we’re going well and can still improve.”
Taunton go into today’s clash in third spot, seven points behind the leaders Weymouth, but with a game in hand.
Elsewhere, in one of only two other games to go ahead in the division due to FA Cup and FA Trophy commitments, Swindon Supermarine visit Staines.
In-form Street will need to be at their best if they are to pull off a shock result in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy this afternoon.
The Division One South highfliers visit Weymouth, who are top of the Premier Division South at the moment.
Salisbury, who are challenging Weymouth in the league, have a home tie against Mertsham, while Melksham make the long journey to play East Anglian side Leiston in their match.