Gerhard Struber praises Scott Twine’s work ethic after equaliser at Watford

Gerhard Struber praised quick-thinking Scott Twine after his free-kick earned Bristol City a 1-1 draw at Watford.

Twine caught out home goalkeeper Egil Selvik in the 29th minute with a set-piece from the edge of the box on the left that beat the Norwegian at his near post.

That impressed City manager Struber, as did Twine’s overall contribution.

“Scott (has) outstanding technical power with his monster leg,” he said.

“It helped us to score in this way but I like his energy at the moment – his work ethic on the field to invest everything.

“You do not see it that often that players on this level work really hard against the ball but this was the key – players with high technical level were involved in our defensive pressing moments.”

Marc Bola’s first Watford goal gave the Hornets a sixth-minute lead, with captain Imran Louza setting him up with a 70-yard pass from his own half.

That allowed Bola to sprint in behind the City defence, control the ball with an impressive first touch and slot past Robins goalkeeper Radek Vitek.

Watford manager Javi Gracia said: “The pass was sensational, the control and finalising was very good – it was a very good goal.”

The point prevented City, who were without a number of players because of injury, from losing three times in six days following defeats against Stoke and Blackburn.

“It was a really big point,” Struber added. “In our situation with all the players who are not available, the boys were outstanding together. The bounce back was on a really good level.

“Not every player was in his best position but it was a really good performance. They left everything on the field so I am super happy with the spirit and energy that gives us a good feeling going into the international break.”

Watford pressed hard for a fifth straight home win but could not conjure up a winner.

“It is not the result that we expected or we wanted,” Gracia added.

“You see the stats today, we had many chances and more possession but it wasn’t enough because when we had the chance we didn’t kill the game. If you don’t kill the game then anything can happen.

“In the second half we lost balance and didn’t have the power we needed. We ran a lot, we made a big effort but we only got a point.

“We played more with our hearts more than our heads. We didn’t do enough runs behind. That is something we have to work on.”