Bristol City 1-2 Wolves: Sean Neave Late Double Seals Dramatic Comeback Win

Bristol City suffered a cruel late defeat as substitute Sean Neave scored twice in the final eight minutes to earn Wolves a 2-1 comeback victory at Ashton Gate and lift Cesar Peixoto’s side into the Championship’s automatic promotion places.

The Robins appeared on course for a valuable home win after Scott Twine’s superb free-kick put them ahead in the 34th minute. Fouled 25 yards out, the midfielder rose to curl an unstoppable right-footed effort into the top corner beyond José Sá, his fifth goal of the season and a trademark set-piece strike that rewarded Bristol City’s early organisation. Wolves, managed by Cesar Peixoto, enjoyed the greater share of possession and created the clearer chances thereafter, with Ladislav Krejci’s header well saved by Brad Collins around the hour mark, yet Michael Skubala’s side defended with tenacity to protect their lead deep into the second half.

The game turned in the 82nd minute when Kieran Trippier’s cross from the right was volleyed into the area. Adam Armstrong’s first-time shot was parried by Collins and the 19-year-old Newcastle United loanee Neave, introduced by Peixoto around the 73rd minute, reacted quickest to tap home the rebound for his first senior goal. Six minutes later the same player completed the turnaround, meeting Krejci’s header from another Trippier free-kick with a close-range finish that sent the away end into raptures. Neave’s brace, his first two professional goals, transformed a likely point into three and extended Wolves’ unbeaten run to five matches.

Wolves finished with 17 shots to Bristol City’s five and roughly 62 per cent possession, underlining their second-half dominance. The result moved the visitors to second in the table, one point behind Middlesbrough, while Bristol City dropped to 15th after a third successive home defeat. Skubala later described the manner of the goals as disappointing, noting that a team leading with 10 minutes remaining against strong opposition must take something from the game. For Peixoto, the late drama confirmed the character he had demanded from a side still adjusting to life in the Championship after relegation.