Bristol City have 20 points after 11 games this season - the exact same number as they had a year ago at the same point - although Robins supporters will be hoping that this year things turn out differently to the last few seasons as the campaign has petered out before the play-offs.
A victory at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night kept Dean Holden's side on the right path to success and reaction has included the thoughts of former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, who was on Quest's EFL highlights programme at the weekend.
The former European Golden Shoe winner picked out one of the men he felt was crucial to City getting a result at the weekend: captain Tomas Kalas.
The Czech Republic defender was in great form at the back, winning aerial duel after aerial duel to keep out Kieffer Moore and co - and he was named man of the match, having made the most successful tackles and clearances by the end of the game.
"You need that," explained Phillips. "When you score in the second minute you want your defence to step up.
"Neil Harris was right: Cardiff threw everything at them but they didn't score and at the end of the day [Bristol] City deserved to win the game because they defended resolutely.
"They had a man in Kalas who is experienced, has been around, been on loan - and he was a rock for them. And you need that if you want to win a football match.
"On the night he was outstanding," said Phillips.
Meanwhile the match-winner was also praised for making the difference on Friday evening.
And by a former coach of his at Pride Park, too, who will not have been surprised to see the 31-year-old hit the next against the Bluebirds.
"Chris Martin, I coached him for two and a half years, and there’s no surprise he’s in that position for his goal, he scored many goals like that for us at Derby," said Phillips.
"We always say as a striker get yourself between those sticks in the six yard box, little cut back and he gets something on it and it turned out to be the winner in the end.”
City supporters will hope to see a bit more of that over the next few weeks and could be indebted to Martin and Phillips if the Robins can achieve their aims by the end of the season.
Fans can watch EFL on Quest’s flagship show each Saturday from 9pm with midweek shows throughout the season on EFL matchdays. Quest is available on Freeview channel 12, Freesat channel 167, Sky channel 144 and Virgin channel 169 while fans can catch up on the show on-demand via https://www.dplay.co.uk/show/efl-on-quest
