Bristol City: Boss Liam Manning says his side were terrific in defeat by Nottingham Forest

Liam Manning's Bristol City are 14th in the Championship

Bristol City boss Liam Manning said his side were "terrific" despite losing on penalties to Nottingham Forest in their FA Cup fourth-round replay.

City's Sam Bell saw his spot-kick saved as they missed out on a fifth-round home tie with Manchester United.

"They have been terrific in terms of the performance again, the bravery we have shown, quality of play at times, the chances we created," Manning said.

"To come here and be the stronger side speaks volumes for the lads."

After a goalless draw in the first game at Ashton Gate, Wednesday's replay ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, before Forest scored all five of their penalties.

"It's the story of us a little bit at the minute, we have had too many games where we have put in terrific performances, created terrific opportunities and not taken them," Manning added to BBC Radio Bristol.

"Normally that is why you get punished. We have now played four games against Premier League opposition and not lost in open play which our performances have merited.

"The final bit for the lads now is getting over the line."

Despite some fine cup performances where they beat West Ham in a third-round replay before taking Forest to the wire, they are winless in six Championship games.

They lost 1-0 to promotion-chasing Leeds on Friday, where they were outplayed for the majority of the game, and next visit Middlesbrough on Saturday.

"When we go back into the league it is about having the same bravery, the same discipline and level of focus to go and show what we have done tonight in the Championship. That is the challenge for us," Manning said.

"We have got to go away to Middlesbrough on Saturday, another tough game, and again next Tuesday (Southampton at home) it is such a full on period.

"Credit must go to all the staff and players for the hard work that goes on daily."