Dean Holden agrees Bristol City dealt with Millwall’s physicality

The Robins are now into the fifth round of the FA Cup for the second time in 20 years.

Holden

didn't see mistakes from his players as they now prepare to shock top-tier opposition, which they couldn't do in their last fifth round match in 2019 – a 1-0 loss to Wolves.

“Coming to Millwall is always a tough fixture but we handled the physical pressure really well and it’s a good afternoon’s work,”

Holden

announced.

“There were two key passages of play that showed our quality. The first was in the lead up to the penalty when we carved them open and then at the start of the second half when we just stepped on it.

“Once we raised our level, they couldn’t get at us and Nahki deserved that bit of luck with the free-kick because he hit a superb one in the first half which Frankie (Fielding) did really well to keep out.

“The third goal just rounds it off. It’s brilliant vision from Nahki to play that ball and some finish from Antoine with his left foot."

Millwall boss, Gary Rowett explained:

“I’m disappointed, of course, but we had to look at this game in isolation having come off the back of four away games,” 

“We took a bit of a gamble that hasn’t come off. We had to make changes. The reality is that the FA Cup without fans isn’t great for us and this isn’t about excuses.

“We should have done better if truth be told. We know there is an issue with creativity in the final third but then when they score their second, that kills it. It’s frustrating because we should never have given that free-kick away.

“We had to reflect on where the FA Cup is in terms of priority and we took a bit of gamble but some players haven’t taken their opportunity.”

Follow 

 for the