Liam Manning was “delighted” with the response from his Bristol City side after their heavy defeat at Ewood Park earlier in the season.

The Robins suffered a 3-0 defeat in September but managed to secure the points this time around after goals from Scott Twine and Nahki Wells.

Manning hailed his players for getting over the line despite being “out on their feet” in the final stages at Ashton Gate.

“We took a bit of a hiding up at their place earlier in the year so to come back, respond and get a win today, with two outstanding moments of quality, was really pleasing,” he told BBC Radio Bristol.

“I am delighted for the lads. People forget they played Tuesday, we played Wednesday and had an extremely late night. You have a day less in terms of recovery.

“The lads were flat out on their feet at the end, absolutely exhausted. It just speaks volumes of, culturally, what we have got in the group and the behaviours we want.”

Wells got the winner after coming off the bench for the final half hour, and Manning was pleased with the impact of his substitutes.

“I thought the lads who came on had a really good impact,” he added. “It is always a challenge when you have 25 players who all want to play. Across the course of the season, you need everybody.

“I know Joe (Williams) was frustrated not to start and get minutes, but the best way you can respond is by doing what he did today. He was excellent when he came on and won us the game ultimately.

“We have to harness that and make sure everybody puts the team ahead of themselves, which is difficult at times everybody, naturally, wants to do well themselves.”

Manning’s side have been guilty of letting leads slip at times this season but managed to survive Rovers’ late pressure.

“I was a little bit animated (at the end) but we got through it,” said the head coach.

“I think that is the biggest thing, especially because we have dropped points too many times from winning positions this season. I am really pleased for the lads.”