Lennie Lawrence on the big match

Last Updated : 13-Dec-2002 by
There have been some provocative words from the Bristol side of bridge this week and now Lennie has laid his cards on the table.

"All I would say is what they will face here on Saturday evening will be like nothing else they have experienced all season." Lennie told the Western Mail

"Don't get me wrong, we respect what they've done. Bristol are a good, attacking team and Murray is a talented player for this division.

"And it will be a test for us because, while they will have their best team available, we are missing a couple of big players. But we will be a different kettle of fish to most of the teams they've played this season. They won't have come up against anyone like us yet."

City will be backed tomorrow by their biggest crowd of the season, most stand ticket have been sold and fans have until 5pm today to snap up the last remaining seats and terrace places. Lennie continued with the role the crowd will play.

"Be certain of one thing - Bristol won't have been anywhere like here on Saturday night. The crowd will play a big part and the atmosphere that will be generated is certain to be intimidating. If it is the biggest crowd of the season, we have to make sure our motto is `send them home happy' because if we let them down, we won't get that again."

If we lose tomorrow it's not the end of the world, we are still right in the promotion mix. Lennie will now concentrate on his first team squad for the rest of the season, the players who failed to impress in the LDV only have reserve games and the FAW Cup to see any action.

"Not many players advanced their case for a place in a league match after that game (Bournemoth) And let's just say the defeat at Bournemouth has made everything clear in my mind.

"It's now a question of getting on with the league and, hopefully, going five points clear of Bristol this weekend. We've taken 43 points from 20 games - 11 more than at this stage last season - which is pleasing, though it's hard to believe we're not top of the league with that."

Lennie's peer at Bristol City, Danny Wilson, is confident.

"We go there with great heart and nothing to fear."