Whalley: We are going there to win.

Last updated : 12 May 2003 By Michael Morris
"Attack is the best form of defence" Whalley told the Echo

Gareth Whalley missed over half a season after being injured at Barnsley last November, his return to the first team in the last couple of weeks has added a strength to the midfield and now he is relishing the tie at Ashton Gate and is part of a City team going for the win.

"We are going there to win. We have got to go there to win."

"We are not a team that can sit back and defend, so we have to go there and play our own game and go and win the second leg. Taking that lead into the second game is going to be a big thing but there's no point in trying to sit back and defend it, so we have to go and play.

"We are confident but we know it's going to be very difficult, so we are just going to approach it the same way: get the ball down, pass it quickly, with plenty of movement, and take the game to them. That's the type of performance we should have been putting in all season.

"Bristol didn't really trouble us as an attacking force, but they really are dangerous. They get the ball forward quickly and the two forwards, Christian Roberts and Lee Peacock, work hard and put themselves about, but the centre-halves and all the defence were magnificent."

Whalley continues

"These are the big games, the games you want to play in. When there is a lot riding on it, hopefully it brings the best out of you and I think it did that.

"The expectation of the fans is understandable because they want success and they want it now, just like a lot of clubs, and Bradford was exactly the same.

"It's not easy for the players sometimes, but you have to put that to the back of your mind and go and work hard for them.

"There's still a lot of work to be done but we are pleased with the way that the first game has gone and we need a big performance like that again on Tuesday."

Tuesdays game is live on Sky Sports 1, the program starts at 7:30pm with kick off at 7:45pm.