Gavin Williams believes his late equaliser against Cardiff in Tuesday's FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate can help spark a revival in Bristol City's fortunes.

It was the Welshman who found himself in the right place at the right time to rescue City, following Michael Chopra's 75th-minute opener for Cardiff, and set up a replay in the Welsh capital on Tuesday.

But City must first negotiate a home Coca-Cola Championship assignment against Preston this afternoon – and Williams reckons the midweek fightback will serve to inspire City ahead of what promises to be another difficult game.

"When you score a goal that deep into injury-time to draw a match, it always feels as though you have won," said the former Yeovil, West Ham and Ipswich midfielder.

"We've been on the receiving end of several late goals this season, so it made a welcome change for the boot to be on the other foot.

"It's happened to us so many times, I know exactly how the Cardiff lads must have been feeling afterwards.

"I also now know how all those teams felt after scoring against us in the last minute. Our dressing room was a very happy one at the end of the game and that's something we can take into the next fixture.

"Hopefully, my goal will lift the boys and give us the confidence to kick-on when we play Preston."

Having struggled to make an impact this season, Williams is keeping his fingers crossed that Tuesday's memorable strike will signal a personal return to form.

The Wales international has started only one Championship game this term and has had to be content with cameo roles launched from the substitutes' bench.

He said: "It's been a pretty miserable season for me so far and I've been frustrated at not getting into the side.

"I've not had that run of games you need to find your form and it has been difficult for me.

"But it's down to me to keep working hard and, when I get a chance, to make sure I grab it with both hands.

"I want to be playing every week if I can, but it's not up to me. It's up to the manager and I have to show him that I'm good enough.

"They say goals breed confidence and, hopefully, scoring that one against Cardiff will bring out the best in me and spur me on for the rest of the season."

Tuesday's FA Cup tie was played in treacherous conditions with driving snow and sleet and freezing temperatures making life awkward for all the players.

Williams, for one, is hoping the Ashton Gate playing surface will prove more conducive to entertaining football this afternoon.

He recalled: "It was unbelievably difficult out there the other night. You could sitting on the bench how hard it was for the lads, but I had no idea how hard until I came on.

"It was difficult turning and keeping your feet and that's why there were so many mistakes in the game. The forecasters say the freeze is coming to an end this weekend, so let's hope for better conditions when we play Preston."