Jason Knight details key factor Bristol City squad is missing ahead of Plymouth Argyle clash

Bristol City captain Jason Knight has challenged his teammates to find their "ruthless edge" in the final third following the Robins' disappointing defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.

The Robins registered back-to-back defeats in the Championship for the first time in over two months as Ryan Andrews' second-half goal secured a 1-0 win for Tom Cleverley's Hornets on Tuesday evening.

Liam Manning's side had plenty of chances to secure at least a point in Hertfordshire, with Scott Twine coming closest to beating Daniel Bachmann in the Watford net. The attacking midfielder cannoned a long-range effort against the crossbar in the final stages of the game that left the Hornets keeper rooted to his goalline.

READ MORE: Every word Liam Manning said on Watford loss, Bristol City 'frustration', Yu Hirakawa and more

READ MORE: Bristol City verdict as Watford loss poses familiar questions for Liam Manning ahead of Plymouth

Both Nahki Wells and Luke McNally also came close to getting on the scoresheet, but Bachmann was bright between the posts to keep his clean sheet intact despite coming under immense pressure, particularly in the first half.

Knight was unfortunate not to score his second of the season, as he inadvertently turned a cross goalwards in the second half. Like his teammates, he wasn't able to apply the finishing touch required and the Ireland international feels that lack of composure in the final third is what is holding the Robins back currently.

"It's that ruthless edge," The City captain told BBC Radio Bristol after the game. "We had three or four chances; we should have really converted and then the game's different.

"We had many chances, especially first half in and around their box, and we've got to be more impactful."

Although Bristol City flexed their attacking muscles earlier in the season as they put four goals past Millwall at Ashton Gate and three past Preston at Deepdale, in their two games following the November international break they have looked toothless in the final third of the pitch despite creating several good scoring opportunities.

While both Watford and Burnley are challenging for promotion back to the Premier League, Knight admits that the Reds have to capitalise on their dominance if they want to beat the teams in and around them in the Championship table.

"The last couple of games we've had big moments that we haven't capitalised on, against good teams," explained the City skipper. "We've got to get something out of those moments."

The fixtures come thick and fast for the Robins in the run-up to the festive period, with Plymouth Argyle next to visit Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.

Wayne Rooney's side are yet to win on their travels so far this season and come into the weekend's game off of the back of a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Norwich City on Tuesday evening. Although there is no such thing as an easy game in the Championship, this feels like an opportunity for City to get back to winning ways.

Although the Robins have only lost two league games at home so far this season, only Hull City, QPR and Portsmouth have picked up fewer than the 10 points they have accumulated at home this term. Hopefully, Manning's side will secure a first Ashton Gate win since September against the Pilgrims on Saturday.

READ MORE: 'It's getting worse' - Liam Manning aggrieved by Bristol City handball incident in Watford loss

READ MORE: Tom Cleverley left blown away by what 'incredible' Bristol City player did in Watford defeat