Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock reveals he questioned why he was still in football until Pilkington stunner
By Ian Mitchelmore
Sat 14th Jan 2017
The Bluebirds twice came from behind to secure all three points at Ashton Gate, and Warnock rolled back the years during his celebrations on the touchline
Neil Warnock revealed he questioned why he is still involved in football during Cardiff City's thrilling Severnside derby win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
After a goalless first half, the game suddenly exploded into life after the restart as Brian Murphy was unfortunate to see Joe Bryan's strike hit the bar and go in off his back to give the hosts took the lead.
But Anthony Pilkington held his nerve to level proceedings from the penalty spot in the 74th minute after Joe Ralls had been brought down in the area.
Tammy Abraham put Bristol City back in front but substitute Kadeem Harris brought Cardiff level minutes later before Pilkington stole the show with a sensational goal five minutes from time to seal all three points for the Bluebirds.
And Warnock admits he questioned why he is still a football manager at the age of 68 midway through the derby match - but he revealed Pilkington's stunner served as the perfect reminder.
"At 2-1, I thought why am I here at 68, and then at 3-2 I remembered why," said Warnock.
"Pilkington, that's what he's capable of. I gave him a rollicking for coming to get the ball in his own half.
"But what a goal it was. I thought he did well today. I haven't sprinted like that for a while (after the winner).
"We showed a lot of character and I blame myself in the first half. It was dour.
"I said to Junior (Hoilett), we need you on. I was glad they scored because it made me change it. I like people running at them and having a go.
"I thought we could've scored a few more and the quality of the finishing was good but overall I think we just about shaded it."
Victory lifted the Bluebirds up to 17th in the Championship table and secured a league double over their Severnside rivals following the 2-1 success at the Cardiff City Stadium in October on Warnock's debut for the club.
And Warnock feels the Bluebirds should be challenging for a top eight place - but admits he needs to be backed by the club's hierarchy in the January transfer market.
"There's a lot that's needed sorted and we're getting there slowly," added the Cardiff boss.
"It's a great club and the fans can see what I'm trying to achieve.
"I don't think we need an awful lot but we've got to be aiming for the top six or eight given the size of the club."
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