Former Town striker Jon Stead netted a last-minute winner for Bristol City as the Robins came from a goal behind to beat the Blues 2-1 at Ashton Gate. Mick McCarthy’s men had gone ahead in the first half through Daryl Murphy and ought to have been two in front when Lee Martin spurned a gilt-edged chance, but Steven Davies netted straight after the break and Stead claimed the three points in the final minute.

Boss Mick McCarthy made one change from the side which drew 1-1 with Barnsley last week with Murphy replacing Aaron Mclean up front.

The Blues started brightly, Martin sending in a cross from the left which was headed behind for a corner. The former Manchester United man whipped over a corner which the home side failed to deal with but no Town player could get on to the ball.

The opening quarter of an hour was scrappy and wasn’t helped by a couple of stoppages due to Robins striker Ryan Taylor requiring treatment to a shoulder injury after he fell awkwardly when challenging Tommy Smith in the air. Eventually he was replaced by former Derby frontman Steven Davies, who was targeted by Paul Jewell in the summer.

The home side’s first serious chance of the game came in the 22nd minute when Paul Anderson cut the ball back from the left to Sam Baldock, who hit a low shot from the edge of the box which was deflected wide of Scott Loach’s left post. From the resultant corner, City captain Cole Skuse volleyed wide.

Town threatened at the other end three minutes later when David McGoldrick hit a low strike past Robins keeper Tom Heaton’s left post.

The Blues went in front in the 31st minute when McGoldrick headed Murphy in on goal from the edge of the area. The Irishman shook off the attentions of Liam Fontaine — who appeared to pull him back — before taking his time and slotting the ball past Heaton with his left foot from eight yards for his sixth goal of the season.,The goal was very much the highlight of what had been a drab game.

On 35 the lively McGoldrick was unimpressed when he was pulled back by Louis Carey not far outside the area but referee Stephen Martin — taking control of his first Championship game — waved away his protests.

Town should have been 2-0 in front in the 37th minute when McGoldrick found himself space on the left and sent in a low cross which Martin — still without a goal this season - slammed wide from six yards when he should have scored.

The Robins were struggling to make much of an impact in the Town half of the field but on 39 sub Davies hit a 30-yard freekick which bounced awkwardly in front of Loach, who dealt with it comfortably.

But it was the Blues who were looking the more dangerous side, former Robin Bradley Orr — playing the last game of his Town loan spell — sending over a cross from the right, which was bundled behind just ahead of Martin.

As the half moved into injury time, Anderson curled a low effort from the edge of the box, which failed to trouble Loach. Just before the whistle, Liam Kelly shot well wide for the home side.

The Blues had been largely on top during a not overly exciting half, keeping the ball better in the final 25 minutes or so and creating most of the best chances.

McGoldrick in particular had been a thorn in the home side’s defence and created the goal, which Murphy took with great confidence. Martin really should have made it 2-0 when he shot wide when it seemed easier to score.

At the other end, keeper Loach had rarely been tested by a bottom of the table Bristol City team looking bereft of confidence and ideas.

However, within two minutes of the restart, the Robins were on terms. Carey found Anderson on the left with a ball Orr really should have cut out and fed the on-rushing Davies on the left of the area, the ex-Derby man lashing the ball into the roof of Loach’s net.

The Blues had been caught cold after the break, but quickly looked to regain their lead, Murphy heading over from Orr’s 51st minute cross after good work from McGoldrick. Five minutes later, Murphy cut the ball back from the left but behind Martin and McGoldrick.

The second half had reverted back to the scrappy, attritional fare of the early part of the first period with neither side able to create anything of note in front of goal.

On the hour, Greg Cunningham picked up the game’s first booking for a foul on Murphy as the Blues striker broke forward midway inside the Bristol City half. From Cresswell’s deft freekick, Fontaine did well to touch the ball away from Luke Chambers at the far post.

Aaron Mclean replaced Murphy and ex-Blue Jon Stead was introduced for the home side on 79 as Town prepared to take a freekick after a foul on McGoldrick. The ball was eventually played short to Cresswell, who hit a 30-yard strike which Heaton pushed out to Martin. The winger headed goalwards, but the keeper to recovered and blocked again. The loose ball ran out to the left and McGoldrick shot into the sidenetting from a tight angle.

With two minutes remaining, McGoldrick teed up Edwards on the right 20 yards out but the skipper’s shot deflected off Cunningham through to Heaton. McGoldrick played Martin in on goal on 89 but Heaton was off his line to claim at the midfielder’s feet.

In the final minute of normal time, former Town striker Stead grabbed the game’s winner. The sub was found by Davies inside the box and twisted his way past Cresswell and Smith before scuffing a low shot past the wrong-footed Loach and into the net.

As time ran out for the Blues, skipper Edwards shot wide from distance but the points were to go to the home side.

Although the defeat was probably hard on Mick McCarthy’s men, a draw would have been a fair result, they never really recovered from conceding so soon after half-time.

Before the break, the momentum was with the Blues and having gone ahead the game would have been sealed by a second goal, Martin’s miss ultimately proving very costly indeed.

Bristol City: Heaton, Moloney, Carey, Fontaine, Cunningham, Kelly, Skuse, Kilkenny (Elliott 83), Anderson, Taylor (Davies 16), Baldock (Stead 79). Unused: Gerken, J Wilson, Foster, Pearson.

Town: Loach, Orr, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell, Edwards, Hyam, N'Daw, Martin, Murphy (Mclean 82), McGoldrick. Unused: Lee-Barrett, Hewitt, Kisnorbo, Drury, Nouble, Chopra. Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffs). Att: 12,662 (897).

Photo: Action Images

scottrock added 20:23 - Jan 26 I live near Bristol and this is the only game I've seen this season. I liked Martin in the fixture last season, but it's now really hard to see what he is in the team for. He rarely runs at players, isn't often given the ball, his finishing is poor (he also had another chance right in front of goal) and he rarely takes a good corner. Edwards is very slow now and in fact our greatest threat down the wings was from Cresswell. I don't often post on here and am not generally negative, but apart from Smith and Chambers looking solid 90% of the time, there wasn't a great deal to get excited about. McGoldrick looked good holding the ball up and beat a few players, but he looks quite slow. Like other fans have said, there is zero creativity in midfield, N'Daw and Hyam tried, but most of their long balls just got cleared by City. I think and hope that Mick is too experienced a manager not to succeed in keeping us up, but on today's performance, it's gonna be a dogfight. P.S, what's wrong with Loach's kicking? It nearly always goes wonky!

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scottrock added 20:25 - Jan 26 Oh and we didn't deserve the win, had Martin buried the sitter before half time, that would've been enough to win the game, but it was a poor 2nd half. We only really sparked into life just before they scored the winner ironically.
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petermorris added 20:28 - Jan 26 ... but, to be fair, MM did tell us it'd be like this.
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Elizabeth added 20:38 - Jan 26 What a tragic result against a poor team ! Now back in the danger zone again !! Can't wait until the end of the season and a new start ...
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Ollie added 21:09 - Jan 26 Disappointing, but at least we had a good game! Not sure why so many people are worried about the games ahead though, we seem to play better against tougher opponents! I have been a long supporter of Martin, he can beat players and has won us a couple of penalties with his trickery. Today was disappointing though, he just doesn't seem to have that touch of class he needs to be a better player. He has been in the first team for ages so hasn't exactly lacked the time to show it or improve. Funny how the whole vibe has been of onwards and upwards, then after this defeat (when we still played well), there is so much talk of demotion?

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dirtydingusmagee added 21:40 - Jan 26 just short of disastrous !this is not the time to falter.We should be taking points off bottom half teams but still we fail . Martin disapoints week in week out,he would be better employed in ads for SpecSavers .Some decent performances and chances created from players but as always the lack of goals is a big problem .It is getting to look like a sqeeky bum run in after all .

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Trimleytractor added 21:53 - Jan 26 Although recent home draws against Peterborough, Bristol City and Barnsley and the comprehensive defeat by Brighton are disappointing results today's failure is reminiscent of what was endured time and again under Keane and Jewell. Being hammered at Palace and Leicester was not unexpected and nowhere near as painful as the old story of losing a lead, missing good chances and conceding a winning goal to pretty ordinary opposition. My faith in Mick McCarthy remains strong and I'm sure today's performance will amply demonstrate the size of the task ahead of him, as if he was ever in any doubt, and I hope we can move on from today. Looking at the fixtures page on this site I note that Lee Martin was named Man of the Match in last week's game against Barnsley. Is that an opinion to be taken seriously?

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RegencyBlue added 22:10 - Jan 26 The other results didnt go for us and currently our form is far from brilliant. I have a feeling deciding the relegation places will go right to the wire this season and at the moment it really is 50/50 as to whether we survive. MM can get us out of this but its going to be an interesting few months to the end of the season!
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AdScHi9678 added 22:36 - Jan 26 People panicking and saying we're suddenly League One-bound are fools, but there is no denying we are not out of trouble yet; in fact we never were. We desperately need at least one new wide-player, and Edwards can go now, he is that bad. Martin too. It's shocking how bad we play against the teams around us at the bottom.
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kevtblue added 22:43 - Jan 26 Two points from the last four games is relegation form in my opinion and we need to change this soon we have to sort this out. Martin for all his work rate gives us nothing at the moment no end result. Edwards is the same why not give someone else a try surely can't be worse. MM is angry and he will I hope now makes some changes. Why do some of you continue to criticise Scott Loach sounds like he didn't have much chance with either goal just let him gain some experience and confidence and he will be ok.

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martleshamitfc added 23:21 - Jan 26 Early betting tip - kieran dyer to score winner for m'boro next week
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suffolkpunch1978 added 00:07 - Jan 27 Ok..... Not good today, should we have beaten them, YES. We didn't, we need to punish teams when they are on the ropes, creativity is needed... i feel we need more players other than just our centre forwards to take responsibility, service and the odd goal would make the difference...... We all know that. I feel and have since mick and conner took over staying up would be an ask, but they can do it, then build on that. BE patient, club is a mess , has been for a while

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bluemikey100 added 08:51 - Jan 27 we seem to be fallin back down 5 games no win others winnin and have games in hand
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lonelyblue added 09:02 - Jan 27 Why did poor old shropshireblue get -12 at time of writing? I'm behind you lad! And behind the team. COYB. PS at least Reo isn't still here!
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999blue added 09:14 - Jan 27 being present yesterday It only highlighted what a job MM and TC have, the midfield has no creativity from the centre and the 2 wide players wont be there next season! however more immediately we need to survive this season and im afraid that Loach however loyal he is, isnt the answer too many times yesterday he failed to come and collect balls into the box and also to command his area ......this caused problems for our overworked defenders whom were solid throughout going forward the out ball was the issue as has been for sometime edwards and martin werent in postions to play of murphy whom put in a good shift ......i think its a case of what this space between now and the transfer deadline ....MM has added shape/discipline/ and a work ethic however its obivous in recent games that weve hit the buffers......in mick we trust and up the hatters! theres a young lad at bradford WELLS look at him.

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ShropshireBluenago09 added 09:23 - Jan 27 Thanks Dommy Blue and Lonely Blue. - its all about opinions, might have been the CAPITAL LETTERS that scared a few! LOL
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BrettenhamBlue added 09:37 - Jan 27 We are back in the Danger zone, but at least MM has got us out of the bottom 3. This was a mammoth task (to avoid the drop), and to be fair so many teams in the bottom 6 have picked up great results recently. If we still had PJ we would be already well and truly buried. Lets just hope for a good 3 points against Leadboots and Boro; its pretty much a "must win" game. We really do need to stay in this division this season. Personally, I think we have a good chance of a top 10 place next season but we need to be in it to get that spot. With all our loanees we will suddenly be very devoid of players if we drop into League 1. For Marcus Evans- it would be a total disaster. We need to invest in this team and fast. 4 players needed- a GOOD striker, a creative midfielder, a right-back (how many times have we said this??) and a left-winger. A few players who are surplus to requirements really need to go. I am yet to be impressed by McColdrick. About the same speed as Scotland but seems less sharp in front of goal. I hope Clegg and co aren't thinking "We will get by this season and invest next". It may well be too late by that stage. We have SO MANY LOANS! That can't be good????

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neillrumsey added 10:10 - Jan 27 Scottrock there is no doubt that Edwards is still one of the quickest in the first team squad...Fact
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 11:48 - Jan 27 Jewell out. Oh wait, can't blame him anymore.
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h32 added 12:19 - Jan 27 ....... the honeymoon's well and truly over guys and gals - back in the deep stuff - and we deserve to be I'm afraid, like it or not. Different Manager, same Club policy it seems - where do we go from here? - I know where it is beginning to look like unfortunately. !!!
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h32 added 12:27 - Jan 27 ..... DJ's presence and ability to score whilst here - only served to cover many inadequacies within the team - PROOF is what's happened since.
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JWM added 12:48 - Jan 27 Easy soundbites to make H32 but how about actually giving MM a bit of time! He's been here 3 months and has dragged us from rock bottom to being 6 points off the drop zone. He has inherited a squad that is lacking in quality and do you honestly think that he doesn't know that? He has worked a miracle already in getting us clear so how about supporting him in the huge task he has instead of making cute soundbites all the time!

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h32 added 13:08 - Jan 27 JWM - I think you should learn to read a post correctly before posting. Not once have I 'not supported' MM in his quest - JUST STATED FACTS as normal. I have stated he needs time (obviously) in previous posts - hence I suggest you 'read up'. In terms of your other comments I agree with you - but almost every new Manager has a honeymoon period which normally nets a few decent results - as you will know, I guess. COYB - but the road appears long right now - again.

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blue_moon09 added 13:35 - Jan 27 This is boring I'm going to support Norwich City, Town fans are as moaners, don't go to games and life on the glory days that happened decades ago. We are not a big club any more, we have a decent manager now who will have to slowly build a side in time! its one defeat town are hardly Barca, get over it.
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JWM added 14:38 - Jan 27 The simple truth is that 5 years of incompetence from the owner and the last 3 managers isn't suddenly going to be solved in a few short months or indeed a transfer window! Mick has inherited a team that lacks any real quality and is having pretty much to make do with what he's got. If the 'unthinkable' happens and we do go through the trap door then the blame will be with Evans and Clegg. This has been coming for a few seasons now and as Mick said at the beginning 'I'm not a magician'. The real damage has been done over the past 5 years with countless loans, throwing huge cash around on sub standard players and generally lacking in any real plan or long term strategy for the football club. I'm sure that Mick will give it his best but looking at the past 5 years of sheer incompetence it may prove not to be enough.

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