Bristol City boss admits win over high-flying Portsmouth will give his promotion-chasers confidence

The Robins currently sit 10th in the Championship table but are only four points away from the play-off places.

Their form in recent weeks has seen them slip behind the chasing pack slightly, with four league defeats in five outings recorded before today’s 2-1 win over the Blues.

However, with a rearranged trip to Brentford up next in the Championship, Holden believes victory over a high-flying Blues side will do them the world of good.

Pompey, who are third in League One, went into today’s game unbeaten in their past five games.

They had recorded some notable scalps against promotion rivals before a break in their season for coronavirus reasons.

The Blues are also the joint-top goals scored in the third tier, despite being out of action for 23 days.

Meanwhile, they had not conceded in 476 minutes before the trip to Ashton Gate.

And for Holden, that’s why his side should take confidence from their third-round Cup victory.

He said: ‘They’re a good team Portsmouth, you have to give them credit.

‘They’re flying in the division that they’re in, and they’re scoring a lot of goals and keeping clean sheets.

‘They've got some really good players, (Marcus) Harness and (Ryan) Williams really give you some problems. I’m really delighted that we got through the game.

‘Overall (it’s been) a pleasing day, still lots to work on, that second half in particular, but we got through to the next round and it gives us some confidence going into Wednesday.’

Pompey themselves will take pride in their performance, particularly after their recent enforced lay-off.

Robins keeper Daniel Bentley denied substitute Jordy Hiwula the chance to take the game to extra-time with the last kick of the ball.

Meanwhile, the shot-stopper also did well to deny Tom Naylor in the second half as the Blues threatened to take control.

In the end striker Chris Martin proved the hosts’ hero with his 83rd-minute winner.

But Holden was just as delighted with Bentley’s contribution.

He added: ‘They (Pompey) really gave us some problems to be fair – Bents has made two really good saves.

‘Then we won it through a moment of genius from Chris Martin, it was fantastic technique. I’m really pleased to get into the next round.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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