Bristol City keeper Tom Heaton targets Watford win to thank fans

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton has praised Bristol City fans for the support they gave he and his team-mates during and after Saturday's 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

And the former Manchester United stopper would love nothing more than to reward their loyalty with a another win over Watford at Ashton Gate tonight.

Quiet throughout a first half in which Daryl Murphy shot Ipswich in front, the Ashton Gate crowd found their voice as Steven Davies and Jon Stead scored at the start and end of the second period to complete a welcome come-from-behind success.

And Heaton and his colleagues were especially impressed by those fans who remained behind after the final whistle to applaud the players as they conducted their post-match warm down routine on the pitch.

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"Obviously, it has been a tough season, but I've been impressed with the fans," said Heaton. "I've been at clubs where they would not have been as patient with the team.

"There have been times in more recent weeks where it has come to a head a little bit and rightly so. They have all had an opinion and voiced it.

"But you could tell there was a real appreciation among the fans on Saturday. The number who stayed and  clapped us on our warm-down was fantastic really.

"They could see that the hard work had been put in and paid off and they appreciated that.

"There is no better feeling than when a late goal goes in and you win a game and I think the fans could feel that.

"We really appreciated their support and we can now use that to generate more of the same against Watford and really kick on."

Heaton tonight faces the unenviable task of keeping out Watford goal machine Matej Vydra. The Czech striker has netted 18 times this season, including 10 in the last five games, and poses a genuine threat to a City defence that has yet to register a single clean sheet this season.

Although City's goalkeeper has spent time studying video recordings of the Czech international's recent goals to gain an insight, he admits he will rely upon his instincts if confronted by Watford's top scorer.

Heaton explained: "I use a mix of the two to be honest. If players have a habit then you try and look out for it by watching recordings of them in action.

"But at the same time, players at this level tend to have an array of weapons they can use in front of goal. That is when you have to trust in your instincts and reactions.

"I always stand up and try and make people beat me rather than guessing or anticipating what they are going to do."