Slade left frustrated after improved performance

Last updated : 19 February 2015 By Michael Morris

Post match reaction after City draw with Blackburh.

"It is frustrating we did not get all three points but that was a much better performance," said Russell Slade.

"There are signs of improvement and the pity is we were punished on the only occasion where we did not defend properly.

"We had much more energy and we really pressed the ball well and that is more in line with what I want to see from my team and what I have been saying I want to see.

"But that is not the end of it, there is still an awful lot of work to do and we still have a lot to get through between now and the next transfer window.

"They came in here very confident after their performance against Stoke at the weekend and we dealt with them very well."

Gary Bowyer was full of praise for his 15-goal former Bluebird Rudy Gestede.

He said: "I am really pleased for Rudy. He didn't play as much as he would have liked when he was here and that goal would have meant a lot to him.

"He has been great for our club and long may he score goals for us. He has been superb.

"It was a relief when the window closed and he was still with us, there was a fair bit of interest in him, and hopefully FIFA will look at getting rid of the mid-season window as it is a nightmare."

Bowyer was particularly pleased with the attitude shown by his side in battling back, just days after securing a memorable FA Cup victory over Stoke to set up a quarter-final against Liverpool.

"When you pick points up away from home you are happy. We conceded late, but we came back in a great manner," said Bowyer.

"After the effort they put in against Stoke, the attitude and application of our lads was excellent.

"We know we have work to do to get to the play-offs but there is plenty of football to be played."