OPINION

Bristol City recently had the best form record in Europe and then suddenly we lose three games in a row writes Graham Ford. 

In fairness, Wolves are a top eight Premier League team and Norwich City look nailed on for promotion.

City ran both these team very close but on Tuesday night reality set in as we lost to a competent but not outstanding Birmingham City side at Ashton Gate.

The visitors got their tactics right and although City pegged them back, they could not find the equaliser as they lost 1-2.

With Derby County losing the previous evening City are still in a play-off place but the run of games coming up will severely test their ability and their resources.

I would make mention of Marlon Pack, he’s in the form of his life and essential as the central playmaker.

For me the jury is still out on Kasey Plamer, a loanee from Chelsea who apparently we are seriously thinking of buying.

On Tuesday, he started and although pushed on dangerously in the first 20 mins, he was caught in possession too often and Birmingham were unlucky not to take advantage and score twice.

When their goal came after a wicked deflection, it was no more than they deserved.

Lee Johnson took off Palmer and a misfiring Callum O’Dowda (surely his goal at Norwich is the best of the season) at half time and Niclas Eliasson and Matty Taylor came into the side.

Sadly we immediately conceded and at two down it was always going to be a struggle.

I am a fan of Taylor. He is busy and causes problems and this proved to be the case as he set up a sitter for Diedhiou to convert.

The Senegalese striker should have scored in the first half and on the night did not have one of his better games. City looked more like themselves in that second period but two shots on target in the entire game is not good enough.

It’s difficult to be hard on a team that has just ended a magnificent run. In truth a play-off place would be a huge achievement and if they finish in the top 10 real progress is being made. Preston are next up on Saturday.

Our record is not good against them but history counts for nothing and if City can find the form they showed at Norwich then a win is possible.