Liam Manning's honest assessment as Bristol City defeated by Preston North End

Liam Manning says Bristol City need to be braver after their underwhelming 2-0 defeat to Preston North End.

The Robins were in control of the match in the first period, as Preston struggled to impose themselves on the match.

However, three substitutes from Ryan Lowe at the break turned the flow of the game, and Will Keane's introduction proved vital as the frontman netted twice to secure the points.

Manning was understandably disappointed but insisted that the Robins should've been in front at the break.

"We created enough to be ahead at half-time given the chances we had, but you’ve got to take those chances," he said to BBC Radio Bristol.

"We had to work really hard to try and score, but the goals we conceded were too easy. You’ve got to not give up poor goals and be more ruthless at the other end."

The result means City are still in search of a first win this calendar year and have now slipped down to 14th in the Championship table.

Manning continued: "First half there was a lot of good, it's about turning that good into outcomes which we didn’t do. Taylor (Gardner-Hickman) had a good chance and Knighty (Jason Knight) had a couple from set pieces.

"We had good control for large periods for the first half and bar one or two times I didn’t feel threatened by them, then they made changes at half-time which we didn’t respond well enough to.

"We didn't have that level of focus required. We made a change at half-time which I will go away and assess and analyse, but I think when it comes to it, it wasn’t a massive tactical switch it was just a bit more direct which we didn't deal with. It was a tough one second half, which I didn’t enjoy."

Tommy Conway was often an isolated figure up front, as has been the case more often than not in recent weeks.

City have now failed to score in three consecutive league matches, but Manning believes they have enough quality to start firing again soon.

"It's not a positive thing, but I think there were enough chances for us to score a goal, we have to work hard to make sure we continue to create more which we have done and I think that it's about being braver."