Bruce Upbeat Despite Defeat

Last updated : 01 December 2003 By Brian Cartlidge

Blues took a deserved 1-0 lead at Anfield and really should have gone in at half time with at least a one goal advantage having been the better side in the first 45 minutes, Duga and Stan both going close.

However, a debatable penalty 2 minutes after Liverpool felt the Forse brought the Reds level at half time and after Stephen Clemence wasted a good chance just after the break the Merseysiders went on to win by a flattering 3-1.

Bruce though is looking forward now to playing the lesser (for want of a better word) sides in the division and said he has been pleased with the way Blues have played in games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool over the past few weeks.

"I'm pleased in a daft way because I judge how far we've come by our performances against the big teams," said Bruce after the game at Anfield.

"In a short space of time I believe we've made massive strides and I judge the team on how we play against the big sides.

"We've competed against Liverpool really well and on another day we could of got something here.

"I firmly believe that if the referee's decision had of been stronger then we would have done.

"This is a vital month now, we new November was tough, we've had Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool and we've not amassed the number of points we would have liked. We've got a huge December and its important that we win two or three games starting with Blackburn on Saturday."

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