Carl’s bolt from the blue stuns leaders

TAKE THAT . . . Carl Winchester earns Athletic a point against Bristol City.

CARL Winchester's rocket handed Athletic a fully-merited point after an enterprising effort against Bristol City, the runaway league leaders.

Shielding the ball with his back to goal, the young star of the season made room for a 25-yard shot that fizzed and bounced in front of Frank Fielding to nestle in the right corner of goal.

Bristol City goalkeeper Fielding was the more heavily-worked of the ‘keepers, though when Joel Coleman was called into action he showed smart reflexes and a keen eye for distribution.

“It was a great performance, but I feel for the players a little bit,” said Athletic boss Dean Holden. “We probably deserved the three points.”

Former Athletic loan man Wilbraham netted from close range after a superb build-up after 71 minutes but Athletic, who almost scored earlier through Mike Jones, produced an answer four minutes later.

Jonathan Forte could have won it at the end, but for a desperate Fielding block, injuring himself in the process and necessitating Holden's side to see out the conclusion with only 10 men.