Bristol City must hurt after Leeds loss - Manning

Bristol City manager Liam Manning said his side were beaten by the best side in the division after their 4-0 defeat at promoted Leeds.

The Robins, who will secure a play-off spot with victory over struggling Preston on the final day, were blown away at Elland Road by a Whites side who will win the title and hit 100 points with a win at Plymouth at the weekend.

"Where do you start? You could sense how dangerous they'd be in their final home game and the atmosphere played a big part. In the first 20 or 25 minutes, we played the occasion rather than the game," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We gave away a really soft goal from a set-piece, which was probably the most frustrating thing.

"They're the best team in the division, for me: huge club, huge investment, top players.

"There's no shame in coming here and losing - it's more the manner in how you do it and we weren't at the level we can hit. We've spoken about it in the changing room. We have to hurt tonight and we can't just move on because of the manner of the goals, but we have to wake up tomorrow, stick together and get ready for Saturday."

Despite the chastening nature of Monday's loss Manning remains upbeat his side can now secure a top-six place in the Championship for the first time since 2007-08.

"The lads are tough, they have given absolutely everything and I know they will do on Saturday," he added.

"If you'd have asked anyone associated with the club if they'd have taken going into the final home game against Preston with it in our hands, they'd have snapped your hands off.

"We've done terrifically well at home and the atmosphere has been electric."