This is what Swansea City boss Russell Martin made of Bristol City’s hard-fought draw

Russell Martin admitted his Swansea City players were disappointed they didn't take all three points back to Wales following their 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Saturday.

The Robins took the lead in the 23rd minute when Tommy Conway ran onto a Nahki Wells pass and fired to the left of goalkeeper Steven Benda.

Martin’s side then began to control possession in large parts but struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Although they did get their goal with 15 minutes to play, when Olivier Ntcham struck a powerful deflected half-volley past Max O’Leary from 20 yards out.

The 36-year-old was pleased with what he saw but put his side's slow start down to their South Wales derby victory over Cardiff City last weekend.

He said: “I was really pleased by the character shown by the players, really disappointed with the first 20 minutes, brilliant chance, brilliant opportunity to learn from that, so many young guys. I think the emotion of Sunday took its toll, I think we maybe had a couple of young ones over celebrate a bit, probably took its toll today.

“The way we bounced back after the goal, it sort of kicked us into life a little bit, albeit we didn't create a huge amount in the first half. We still had some really good moments but our conviction and quality wasn’t quite there. But they stayed really brave, this time last season we lose that game, there’s no doubt.”

The Swans have made a habit of dominating the ball, and have recorded the highest average possession stat in the Championship so far this season. That was the story again on Saturday, as Martin’s side boasted 72% possession. However, this played into the Robins’ hands at times.

Nigel Pearson’s side made a fast start to the match and could've had the game wrapped up by halftime on another day, if it weren't for some inspired saves from Benda in the Swans goal - including an excellent stop to deny Antoine Semenyo from point blank range. Martin, though, was still frustrated that his side couldn't find a way to win the game.

“By the end of the game the players and ourselves are really disappointed we didn’t win it,” he said. “I'm pretty convinced Nigel would’ve been in here talking about the first 20 minutes how the game should've been out of sight, but for 70 minutes I thought we were great and brave.”

In the build-up to Conway’s opener, it appeared there was a possible foul on Harry Darling in the Swansea half, which sparked a complaint from Martin on the touchline. Although, the manager couldn't recall the incident.

“I can't remember it, cannot remember it. I feel I know why we conceded the goal, we didn’t stick to the detail well enough,” he said.

“Do you want me to say it’s a foul?, he joked. “I can't remember now, there was a lot that happened in the game If I was complaining it probably was about that but I’ll have to have a look back. Ask me again next week and I’ll let you know.”