It’s a measure of how far Bristol City have come that after drawing with Wigan Athletic, there was a feeling of disappointment that the Robins weren’t quite able to turn their possession into three points.
The Robins didn’t quite hit the levels they have since Boxing Day, yet on another day they would’ve been victorious, twice hitting the woodwork and limiting Wigan to very few genuine opportunities.
But the unbeaten run is now up to 10 games and City’s new January signings look to be settling in well and offer a new, exciting dynamic to Nigel Pearson’s attacking play.
If most inside Ashton Gate had been offered four points from matches against Wigan and Norwich City, they would’ve taken it, yet the prospect of a difficult trip to Wearside on Saturday left Wednesday feeling like a missed opportunity.
However, before attentions turn to the trip to the Stadium of Light, here are the moments missed as Pearson and Shaun Maloney shared the spoils.
Gary Johnson's homecoming
For years, the dream of Bristol City fans has been that one day they see their side grace the heavy heights of the Premier League. While that dream is yet to become reality, one man has taken them closer than any other and he was in attendance on Wednesday night.
Former City boss Gary Johnson was back at Ashton Gate having been inducted into the Bristol City Supporters Club Hall of Fame earlier this week. The now-Torquay boss spent the pre-match in the legends’ bar in BS3 meeting a few old faces and celebrating his time in South Bristol.
Johnson was in charge for just under five years between 2005 and 2010 and oversaw the Robins' return to the Championship as they finished second in the 2006-07 campaign before losing the play-off final to Hull in 2008.
The work that has been done by the Supporters’ Club in the last year has brought with it a feeling of genuine connection between the modern Bristol City and its illustrious history. The introduction of one of City's most popular characters into the Hall of Fame is the perfect reflection and example of remembering Johnson’s success.
Stroud's warm welcome
You can always back Keith Stroud to bring a reaction from the City fanbase, such is the poor reputation of one of Ashton Gate’s least popular pantomime villains. It won’t be a popular opinion, but for the most part of Wednesday, he officiated the game reasonably well.
There were a few early bits of contact that were allowed to play out without a constant need to bring a halt to proceedings. Yet, before the ball was even in play the announcement from Ian Downs that, “today’s referee is Keith Stroud,” was greeted by a chorus of boos and a chant that, in slightly ruder terms, suggested he wasn’t a very good referee.
Stroud waved away calls for a second-half penalty as Anis Mehmeti appeared to be pulled down by Tendayi Darikwa as he jumped to head the ball and, while we have seen those given, it is by no means one of the clearer examples of officials ignoring penalty appeals.
He then ended the match as Pearson’s side were about to put the ball in the area much to the irritation of Matty James and Joe Williams. However, compared to the poor display from Chris Kavanagh on the weekend against Norwich, Stroud got most decisions right.
Wigan's wind-up merchant
There aren’t many grounds in English football that greet Wigan Athletic’s James McClean with open arms and every touch he made in the first half in front of the City fans was booed by Section 82.
From the first corner he slowly wandered over to take in the opening exchanges, he was out to wind up both the home support and as Wigan remained compact in their attempt to earn a point.
The introduction of Mark Sykes saw an interesting battle between the two Irishmen down the flanks with a couple of tasty tackles and even a proper something-out-of-nothing pushing match after Sykes decided to throw the ball at the back of the Tic’s winger.
Even Pearson offered a few glares and words towards McClean, who was defending in front of his technical area in the second half, as he took his time over a throw-in. Ultimately, McClean and Wigan got the point they needed, yet he still had time to respond to some of the abuse directed at him from the stands.
Nigel backs Wigan to stay up
City’s unbeaten run has been impressive but the visitors themselves are starting to pick up form, despite sitting in the relegation spot. The Tics are yet to lose since Shaun Maloney was appointed and Pearson is backing them to dodge the drop based on their performance.
"Wigan will be fine, they'll be fine,” explained the City boss after the game. “They are a decent side to be fair, a decent squad. They'll be fine. There's five teams worse than them.”
The five teams may be up for debate but Maloney’s side certainly looked like an organised outfit. City really had to work hard to find any space behind the defence while the visitors also carried a constant threat from set pieces.
With the appointment of Neil Warnock at Huddersfield Town and a few teams managing to improve their form towards the bottom end of the table, it could well go right down to the wire who faces the drop. Hopefully, that won’t be of too much interest to City as they aim to look up the table rather than over their shoulder.
Celebrations as much for Mehmeti
As City took the lead in the first half it was thanks to an excellent Rob Atkinson header (who interestingly has scored three of his four goals this season when Stroud has been referee) it was as much thanks to an excellent ball from new man Anis Mehmeti.
As a couple of players made their way over to celebrate with the goal scorer, a fair few instead ran over to Mehmeti to appreciate his sublime cross into the box.
It was a moment of quality from the left-wing that is probably not the sort of cross many of the other City forwards would put in, rather than the usual Andi Weimann and Cam Pring smash across the penalty area.
Although he is a new member of the team, Pearson was keen to mention that his teammates already completely trust the former Wycombe man and he looks like a really special talent.
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