Ross McCrorie scored twice as Bristol City booked their place in the Championship play-offs for the first time in 17 yearsRoss McCrorie was Bristol City’s hero against Preston North End(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

Ross McCrorie admits it was “incredible” to secure Bristol City’s place in the Championship play-offs in such dramatic fashion following the Robins’ draw with Preston North End, with the Scotland international insisting he made the move to Ashton Gate because “he saw something” in the Reds’ project.

A brace from the wing-back saw Liam Manning’s side come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the Lilywhites on Saturday lunchtime. McCrorie first headed low past David Cornell in the Preston net before calmly slotting under the North End stopper five minutes later with a smart right-footed finish.

Though the comeback lifted the mood in and around BS3, celebrations were limited come the full-time whistle as those of a red and white persuasion waited for an update on Blackburn Rovers’ meeting with Sheffield United.

While the supporters in the stands all looked to their phones as they waited for the whistle to be blown at Bramall Lane, Manning’s squad gathered on the halfway line to do the same. Then, after what felt like hours, news filtered down to the pitch that City had secured a top six finish for the first time in 17 years. The scenes that followed were truly special as thousands of fans burst on the pitch to celebrate with the players, something McCrorie will never forget.

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“Incredible. Just the emotions of the game were so up and down,” the Scotsman told ITV after the full-time whistle. “We went down 2-0 but the fans never stopped cheering us on and the boys never gave up. We got our rewards in the end and play-offs man, brilliant.

“It’s one of the moments I will probably remember for the rest of my life. I came to this club because I saw something. I saw the gaffer had a plan and we’re in the play-offs now and it’s just credit to the gaffer and the boys for all the hard work they’ve put in over the last 18 months to put ourselves in this position so it’s incredible.

“The fans came on and honestly it was amazing,” McCrorie continued. “Some fella grabbed me and just picked me up and I got a few digs and that in the ribs but honestly, it was incredible.

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“I genuinely can’t put it into words it was that good. The fans have been amazing all season and we’re going to need it these next two games.”

Now, the Robins find themselves 270 minutes away from the Premier League. Of course, getting there will be by no means easy with Sheffield United waiting for the Reds in the semi-finals and should City navigate their way past the Blades, one of Sunderland or Coventry City will face Manning’s side at Wembley. For at least a few more days though, the promotion dream remains alive.

Chris Wilder and company travel to Ashton Gate for the first leg on Thursday evening before the Robins head to the Steel City for the return fixture on Monday.

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In all honesty, whatever happens over the next week or so, this season will be considered a success by most in and around BS3. As Manning himself said earlier this week, the majority of people associated with the club would have bitten your hand off to be in this position before a ball was kicked this term and McCrorie thinks that could serve him and his teammates well over the course of the play-offs.

“Why not?” the defender replied when asked how he felt about the prospect of two more games. “We’ve got nothing to lose and anything can happen in the play-offs.

“We’ve got a good quality side and we’ve got two games now, let’s just give it our all.”

READ MORE: Report: Bristol City secure first play-off finish in 17 years as Reds draw vs Preston North EndREAD MORE: Liam Manning lifts lid on celebration with son Isaac as Bristol City book place in play-offs