Temporary manager Neil Redfearn was delighted to get off to a winning start at Bristol City on Saturday and praised the efforts of his players.

Redfearn took charge for the first time at Ashton Gate, following the departure of manager Simon Grayson, and goals from Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack, and Luciano Becchio secured the points against a side who ended the game with nine men.

"I thought it was a tough game," said Redfearn.

"For half an hour they were the better side, but during that time I thought we were resilient, I thought we worked hard, I thought we looked after one another, we watched each other's backs with regards to covering for each other and if you look at them they are one of the form sides.

"It was always going to be difficult and the conditions made it even worse. We didn't have a great start, but when we got the goal and got a foothold there was only going to be on winner and it was a very professional performance.

"I thought they all worked hard and pulled towards the game plan. That kept us in the game then won us the game.

"What was important was that we kept a clean sheet because we have players to score goals, and I thought each and every one of them defended well. We defended from the front and Luciano and Rossco stopped them playing out from the back, and we made David James kick, which he doesn't always like to do."

United were 1-0 up by the time City were reduced to 10 when James Wilson was red carded for a foul on McCormack. Yannick Bolasie followed in the second half for two bookable offences within the space of a minute.

"Overall I thought the referee was good, but I would say that because we won the game," said Neil. "You get these things in football, though, that's what makes it so good to watch."