Johnson relishes Eagles test

Robins set up date with Palace

Last updated: 4th May 2008

Johnson relishes Eagles test

Johnson: Delighted

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Gary Johnson is looking forward to a play-off date with Crystal Palace after Bristol City saw off Preston.

The Robins secured a fourth place finish in the Championship with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Lilywhites.

Johnson's side had won only one of their last 10 heading into the final game of the season, but appear to have hit form at just the right time thanks to an inspired display from enigmatic striker Lee Trundle.

Proud

"Lee may be coming good at just the right time, and that could be said for the team in general," Johnson said.

"He worked his socks off and looked a real threat. We played well in defeat at Sheffield United in our previous game, and carried that on.

"We know what to expect from any Neil Warnock side, and Palace are in very good form. But we are proud of finishing fourth in the Championship after 46 games and will go there next Saturday in confident mood.

"We were going to look forward to the play-offs whoever our opponents were, and the way we played today gives us great heart."

Trundle delight

Former Swansea striker Trundle was delighted with his performance, especially as he has struggled to settle at Ashton Gate following his high-profile arrival last summer.

"That felt much more like my old self. I enjoyed every second of the game," he said.

"The fans here have been great to me considering I haven't scored the goals I would have liked, so I was pleased to reward them.

"Palace are probably the toughest side we could have met in the play-offs, but we will go there with confidence restored and looking to win the first leg."

Irvine disappointment

Preston were already guaranteed of survival heading into Sunday's game, and it was just as well as their manager Alan Irvine admitted that his side were poor throughout.

"That wasn't the sort of performance that got us out of trouble," he said.

"We have done well recently by looking good when the opposition had possession. But it was far too easy to create chances against us.

"But the players still deserve a lot of praise, because we were cast adrift at the bottom of the table not so long ago."