Steve Cotterill praises Bristol City effort in Crawley Town victory

Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill has lauded the efforts of his team and Luke Ayling after a narrow 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

The Robins remain one point clear of Swindon Town at the top of League One after a last-gasp victory at Ashton Gate.

Ayling scored the crucial goal three minutes from time and Cotterill suggested that he was deserving of his match-winning strike.

He told reporters: "I'm so proud of them. This week, they've put in the miles and they've got three wins. We deserved that win and we deserve to be top of the league.

"We tried to start bright and quick. An early goal would have made it easier for us. I've thanked the lads in there for all their efforts for the football club.

"Luke Ayling got stick before his goal at Barnsley. He's a special boy and everyone is delighted for him."

City continue their promotion push when they travel to bottom-of-the-table Crewe Alexandra next Saturday.