It certainly wasn’t pretty, but victory was all that mattered at Ashton Gate.

Down and dirty

Ask most casual observers of Wolverhampton Wanderers what the team’s strengths are and they’ll probably remark upon the their quality in possession, their at-times devastating ability on the counter-attack, or their defensive rigidity and organisation.

What perhaps goes overlooked at times are their battling qualities. They can rough it with the best of them – and this was a rough second half to endure. Bristol City picked up a kitchen sink and lobbed it into the Wolves penalty area.

It was a difficult watch at times – Wolves couldn’t generate any sort of attacking momentum and were often pinned in their own box.

But they saw it through. As Conor Coady said afterwards, they did the ‘dirty’ defending. And they did it so well. The hosts created a few opportunities, sure. It was a nervy finale, but for all their pressure, the Robins didn’t exactly prise Wolves apart.

And through a series of blocks, interceptions, clearances and headers – as well as some fine all-action goalkeeping from a fully committed John Ruddy in the closing stages, who bounced back from his Shrewsbury nightmare – Wolves saw it through.

Ground it out

Against a Bristol City side that had won nine on the bounce, were unbeaten in 15 and hadn’t lost at home since November, that’s not a feat to be underestimated.

This was a tougher game than quite a few Wolves have faced in the Premier League this season. And you’d imagine a good number of top-flight sides would have succumbed to the sporadic onslaught Bristol City produced in the second half.

Not this team, though. Wolves have proved time and again that they can win by a number of different means, be it dominating play and possession like they did against West Ham, Burnley and Spurs, sitting deep and hitting teams on the counter like against Chelsea and Newcastle, or – as here – grinding one out via some stoic defensive grit.

Mou magic

There were a number of players who revelled in these circumstances – chiefly Conor Coady, who gave a commanding captain’s display – but also Joao Moutinho who used all his experience to help grind this one out.

Moutinho has been nothing short of a revelation this season. Like the team, he’s shown a number of different strings to his bow depending on the circumstances.

Ivan Cavaleiro, too, deserves praise for his work ethic (not something that can always have been said during his Wolves career) and of course for that clinical finish for the winner.

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He got the nod over Helder Costa and Adama Traore and rewarded Nuno's faith. With Diogo Jota struggling with niggly injuries (this is the third he's had since October) Cavaleiro could get another chance in the quarter final, too.

Cavaleiro's approach mirrored that of the team in that it was a professional, no-frills display. And Wolves' game management was yet again impressive, quelling the Robins' momentum when they could, with a few 'taking one for the team' fouls and bookings. It was a win at all costs approach.

'Job done' was very much the feeling at the end of a frantic final few minutes. There certainly wasn't the unhinged euphoria of Wolves' last visit to Ashton Gate – the emotion was more of relief and satisfaction.

Ruddy redemption

There was also some personal redemption for Ruddy, who had no place to hide after his errors against Shrewsbury but was a key component in this victory.

He made a couple of fine saves, repeatedly launched himself at the ball during some stoppage time bedlam and even blocked a shot from his opposite number.

Rui Patricio was again left out the squad and you'd be surprised if Nuno brought the Portugal keeper into the cup team now.

It's a fascinating debate – the deeper Wolves venture into the competition, can a European Championship winner really be left on the sidelines?

As a former back-up at Porto himself, Nuno knows only too well the plight of the number two keeper.

He's set his stall out with Ruddy and looks set to stick with it, which potentially offers a surprise fairytale to a keeper who has probably endured the most frustrating season of his career.

Opportunity knocks

So Wolves have their best opportunity in almost four decades to win – yes, WIN ­– the FA Cup.

Sure, they’ve reached a few quarter-finals and a semi-final since they were last in the lofty category of a very good top-flight team, back in 1980/1981, but they’ve never had a side capable of beating pretty much anyone on their day.

Avoid Manchester City and Chelsea/Man United in tonight’s draw and they’ll back themselves to return to Wembley.

Whoever they're paired with, the quarter final will be the biggest game of the season and one of the most significant in the club's recent history.

With the staff and players reflecting the excitement in the stands, it's already become an FA Cup to savour after a wait of 16 years to get this far.

A bit of luck is now required. If fate is to side with Wolves, it's almost time to get very, very excited. You can taste the anticipation.

Final word

Star man: Joao Moutinho

The boss: Went for a strong XI and stuck with Ruddy – both the right calls

Fans: Dreaming

Magic moment: Nuno celebrating with his adoring public at full time

In a word: Professional

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