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Cotterill calm after away success

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Steve Cotterill on City's win at Sheffield United

Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill ordered his players to keep their feet on the ground after they beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

Goals either side of the interval from City debutants Aaron Wilbraham and Wade Elliott propelled the visitors to victory in Saturday's Sky Bet League One opener after Michael Higdon had struck an equaliser in his first competitive appearance for Nigel Clough's side. Cotterill said: "One down, 45 to go. That's the way we've got to look at things. "That's a fantastic result for us against a very good team, but there's a lot of hard work still to do and a long way to go in the division. "Sheffield United are a very good team with a very good manager and, make no mistake, they'll be right up there at the end of the season because this is such a tough place to come and play. "So that's why we're going to enjoy this result on the bus home and celebrate with a nice cup of tea. Because we've won nothing yet and there will be plenty of twists and turns. "We made a few changes here and there at half-time and I think those worked out. "We got more of a grip on the game after that and I think our good pre-season showed. That was good to see. "We're a pretty fit bunch and that should stand us in good stead as things go on. The lads always enjoy working hard." This match, between two teams harbouring genuine ambitions of promotion, began at a predictably furious pace with Murphy, Bob Harris and Ryan Flynn all going close. City's defence appeared shaky but going forward they posed a far greater threat with Aaron Wilbraham heading them in front after 20 minutes from Mark Little's cross. Higdon, who had arrived at Bramall Lane from NEC Nijmegen earlier in the week, continued to cause all sorts of problems and so it was no surprise to see him draw United level 11 minutes later after meeting Ben Davies' set-piece. But City were not to be denied and an excellent move, started by Derrick Williams and continued by Wilbraham, ended with Elliott firing home across Howard with 18 minutes remaining. Murphy thought he had secured United a point during a late scramble in the visitors' penalty area but defender Aden Flint acrobatically cleared off the line again. "We created enough chances but what cost us was the fact that we gave two soft goals away," Clough said. "But it's one game and it's important to remember that. "We want to get points on the board as quickly as possible but nothing, whatever had happened, would have been decided out there (after this game). "There are things we've got to work on and there are also things to be positive about. "That was a very young team out there and I thought they acquitted themselves well. "We'll keep on improving as we spend more time together as a group, make no mistake about that." Clough added: "I think there was enough out there for us to be positive about what's ahead. No doubt about it. "There were some very mature performances, especially from the young lads and that was really encouraging to see. "The opening weekend is always like a mini-season in itself for everyone. "I think the fans always look forward to it much more than the players, who are usually just glad to get it out of the way. "Now we have to kick on."

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