Bristol City victory comes at a cost

BRISTOL City claimed their first away win of the season at Peterborough last night – but it came at a high price.

Sam Baldock's double ensured City won 2-1 and left London Road with all three points to climb back into the top half of the Championship table.

Unfortunately, the victory was marred by serious injuries to key midfielder Cole Skuse and left-back Greg Cunningham.

Both were carried off on a stretcher, Skuse after damaging an ankle on the stroke of half-time and Cunningham following a heavy challenge from Posh centre forward Tyrone Barnett.

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Skuse will have a hospital scan to determine whether he has suffered a fracture, while initial reports suggest Cunningham could be sidelined for at least a month with ankle ligament damage.

"The only thing that sours a good performance is the injuries to the two boys," said McInnes.

"Cole Skuse has two puncture marks from studs on the top of his ankle and we are hoping there is no fracture.

"Greg Cunningham has severe ligament damage. It is too early to say how bad it is, but he will certainly not be with us for the next few weeks."

McInnes was critical of referee Chris Sarginson, who showed yellow instead of red cards to Mark Little and Barnett for two-footed challenges on Liam Fontaine and Cunningham respectively.

He said: "I thought the referee abdicated responsibility on a couple of occasions. I thought the two-footed lunge (from Little) would have resulted in a sending off had it been dealt with properly.

"I go to all these referees meetings where they say, regardless of whether a player gets the ball or not, the aggression and danger element of a tackle deems a red card.

"For neither tackle to merit a red card is not only disappointing, but also baffling."

Baldock netted twice in the space of six minutes early in the second half to deliver City's first away win of the season. Lee Tomlin pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for Posh at the death, but City survived nine minutes of added time without further mishap.

McInnes said: "I thought we managed the game really well. We never really had any rhythm to our play in the first half, but I never thought we looked too troubled.

"We came out of the traps to try and get on the front foot after half time and had two very clinical finishes from Sam Baldock from two good bits of play.

"I thought it was a thoroughly professional performance and I'm delighted for the players.

"We perhaps should have done it a bit more comfortably and I'm disappointed with the penalty decision, but we've managed to see it out."