Blues second goal a 'killer blow' for Bristol City

Roy Hodgson is in his second stint as Bristol City boss, 44 years after his first at the club in 1982 [Getty Images]

Bristol City caretaker manager Roy Hodgson rued Birmingham City's second goal a "killer blow" for his side following their 2-1 defeat at St. Andrew's.

Phil Neumann's volley opened the scoring for Birmingham within the first 10 minutes whilst Jhon Solis' goal came just shy of the half hour mark to extend the hosts' lead.

Bristol City's Tomi Horvat then converted a penalty on the 82nd minute to halve the deficit but by then it was too late for the Robins who will look to end their season on a high when they host Stoke City next weekend.

"We started very well, but of course those two goals, the first one came with their first serious attack in our half," said Hodgson to BBC Radio Bristol.

"They scored a good goal from the free kick, but the second goal was obviously a bit of a killer blow, particularly at half time.

"You're looking much more down the barrel of the gun than you would have been at one there. I can't fault the players for effort at all and I thought there were times during the game where we once again played very well.

"We were up against a very strong and physical Birmingham team, playing in front of the home crowd and it was always going to be a difficult game for us."

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