Nigel Pearson conceded his side needed a result against Millwall but praised his player's reaction following a difficult week after battling to a hard-fought point.
The Bristol City manager headed into the game under increasing pressure following Boxing Day's home defeat to West Brom after a run of three wins in their last 17 matches in all competitions.
City were clearly up for the physical and aerial test from the first whistle and Tommy Conway had the game's first chance when he dragged his effort wide of the right post. It was a first half that lacked quality and the Robins were fortunate to head into the dressing room level when Rob Atkinson superbly deflected Andreas Voglsammer's strike onto the crossbar.
The visitors came out in the second half with the bit between their teeth and enjoyed spells of dominance that should have seen them leave the Den with all three points. Antoine Semenyo, searching for his first goal since September, had a glorious chance when played through by Andi Weimann.
He beat the onrushing George Long to the ball but the keeper managed to close the angle when the City striker went for power over precision. Weimann then somehow dragged a shot wide of the target following a superb Kal Naismith delivery.
A draw stopped the rot and will give Pearson some respite for now but City remain just three points above the drop zone heading into the New Year's Day game against Coventry with question marks still hanging over the manager.
"We were in need of a result tonight and we could have done with winning but it's a positive performance and I think that's the important thing tonight," Pearson said after the game.
"It was a very hard-fought game, both sides had opportunities. We showed the right characteristics today so that was good. We needed a bit of a response after Boxing Day but I think the players did well tonight.
"But that's one game. It's important now that the players recognise, and they do recognise, that is the level of application that we need. I think we defended very well as a team. I think we showed promise going forward, it was a tough game. We defended set plays very well.
"On another day we could come away with three points but I think both sides would point out promising moments they had. They are direct but they have some good footballers as well.
"So when they get into the attacking half they might go forward from back to front quickly. I think what they are is their identity suits the players they have. We decided to play pretty direct from the set play situation just to match them up but I thought we did alright tonight.
"We needed everyone to have an appetite to work tonight to minimise any threats because I've got huge respect for Millwall's record here and the way they play."
Semenyo could have arguably had a penalty in the first half when he was dragged down by the Millwall defence when trying to attack Naismith's delivery.
Pearson was reluctant to talk about the decision by Dean Whitestone but having watched it back, insinuated that he should have pointed to the spot.
"In the first half? Yea we looked at it but it's been well over a year now," he added with a wry smile.
After coming into the game on the back of criticism from supporters, over 1000 made the trip to London and were in fine voice throughout the contest.
Pearson said on the fans: "Very good, they came down in good numbers and got behind the team well. I'm pleased at the end that the players had a connection with them too. Hopefully, they've seen some encouraging signs tonight."
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