BRENDON King has played down the importance of tomorrow’s result against the Robins, claiming his side are on a hiding to nothing – win or lose.

Last pre-season, expectations went through the roof at the Bob Lucas Stadium following a 3-0 victory over a West Ham United XI and the Terras’ boss is keen to avoid a similar distraction this time around.

King, whose men currently hold a 100 per cent record this summer, told Echosport: “The Bristol City game is a massive step up for us now and all I am going to be focusing on is the performance.

“The two friendlies we have played already have been really good in terms of getting plenty of touches of the ball and scoring a few goals but this weekend we are likely to be on the other end of that and it will all be about getting a good shape and closing down.

“With them being full-time, their fitness levels are going to be higher than ours which means it is also going to be very important that when we get the ball, we keep it but I have full faith in the lads that they will do that anyway.

“If we keep our shape, knock it around a bit and create a few chances I will be more than happy because that is what this type of test in pre-season is all about – it’s not about the result.

“When you beat sides like this expectations go really high and when you lose it was always expected, so you are very much on a hiding to nothing.

“I just want us to go out and put in a good display and for the younger lads to witness how professional clubs go about their business. In those terms, it will be a great experience for everyone.”

With a Manchester City XI also visiting Ashton Gate tomorrow, the Robins are expected to field an academy team against the Terras, who are hoping to include a couple of trialists.

King added: “We will probably have two new ones, maybe three, but until they are confirmed I cannot really say anything else.

“There is one particular position we still want to strengthen while one of the lads has been recommended to us, so we will see what happens.

“The game will also see Danny Clay and Scott Walker make their first home appearances allowing those fans that haven’t seen them yet to see what good players they are.”

Barry McConnell will be the only absentee for the Terras. The new arrival has been away this week on a pre-arranged trip and is expected to return for Tuesday’s match at Wimborne Town.

Terras (from): Evans, Povall, Perry, Clarke, Wells, Staines, Frampton , Poole, Jeannin, Dixon, Walker, Reed, Clay, Duff, Conning, Head, Groves, Joyce, Ford.

*The game between Weymouth Under-18s and Bristol Under-18s scheduled for tomorrow morning has been postponed.