As far as returns to Ashton Gate go, Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City probably falls under the "best to forget as soon as possible" category as once more Nigel Pearson’s side were their own worst enemy.
The good work of Cam Pring and Nahki Wells to give the Robins the lead, was quickly undone either side of half-time as defensive mistakes from Andy King and Matty James allowed Liam Delap and Jacob Brown to ensure the Potters claimed all three points.
So much of the focus (and rightly so) will be on the decision to play the ever-trusted King in the backline while both Rob Atkinson and Timm Klose were left out of the matchday squad, with Pearson stating the former Oxford United man has “others ahead of him.”
One has to assume Saturday’s performance may well have reshuffled that order as City hit the half-way point of the campaign in 18th place and only three points above the drop zone, anyone feeling the pressure?
It may not have been a classic on the pitch, but here are the moments missed from Ashton Gate last Saturday.
Flint’s having a party, Fielding’s in the building
No need to bring any cider, vodka or any other party fun, but there was a double homecoming at Ashton Gate on Saturday as both Aden Flint and Frank Fielding were part of the travelling Potters’ squad.
Fielding has found first-team football hard to come by sine departing BS3 (where in his last season he often was second choice behind Niki Maenpaa) and has been Stoke’s third stopper since last season.
Flint hasn’t been the most popular in South Bristol having joined Severnside rivals Cardiff City after leaving Middlesbrough, but will always be remembered fondly for the huge part he played in the Robins’ double winning season and Carabao Cup run.
As the defender took his place on the visitor’s bench, he stopped to sign a fan’s shirt with ‘Flint 4’ across the back, and at half-time he went over to the City dugout to take photos with the home fans. Even if it isn’t always obvious his spell with the Robins holds fond memories.
A majority of those in Ashton Gate may have had slightly different feelings towards the defender with one fan stationed near the press box taking issue with him wandering onto the pitch while warming up as a substitute, “Get off the pitch!”
But there was plenty of love shared between the City players and Flint. Antoine Semenyo gave him with a big hug on the touchline and before Scott Murray took to the field at half-time, he embraced the kitman and former teammate Louis Carey.
Scott Murray is a legend
If there’s one thing City have got right this year, along with the Former Players Association, it’s how they’ve celebrated stars of yesteryear. With the touching tribute to Nathan Baker before the World Cup break, celebrations of John Ward’s promotion winning team, the sad passing of Terry Cooper and last season’s Ashton Gate Eight parade.
Saturday brought with it the latest chapter of these celebrations as friends, family and former teammates formed a guard of honour for Scott Murray as Bristol City celebrated 25 years of the flying Scotsman in BS3. He was presented with a specially framed shirt by chairman Jon Lansdown, his father and owner Steve was also in attendance.
Throughout the week there have been touching memories from those close to probably the most liked man in Bristol, while the wing wizard was surprised by the presence of Aberdeen legend Eric Black in the stadium, and it was clear how much it meant to Murray to have all of those in the Gate singing his name one more time.
It certainly isn’t the end of the road with the now-kitman emphasising he doesn’t intend on going anywhere anytime soon, surely, we’ve got to be heading towards testimonial territory?
A rare half-time sight
Such was the Baltic weather; we can’t really blame you if you opted to flock to the concourse at half-time in hope of warmth, but you may have missed young Edward Simpson strike home in front of the South Stand.
Edward is on a mission to raise money by scoring 100 strikes all-round the country at Ashton Gate was home for his 57th effort, where he sent the keeper the wrong way before finding the bottom-left corner.
For those who remained in their seats they may well have seen the closest thing to a Bristol City penalty in well over a year, but luckily Edward channelled more of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas than Harry Kane. Normal service was resumed in the second half however as Semenyo had appeals waved away having appeared to be impeded in the Potters’ box.
He started this after his own brain tumour diagnosis as he aims to raise £100k for brain tumour research and at the time of writing he’s already reached £56k with donations. Donations can be made on his Just Giving page HERE.
Fleming turns ball boy
Much like those inside Ashton Gate, the Robins’ dugout were feeling rather frustrated by Stoke’s gamesmanship. Not that Pearson can complain too much having stated how much he enjoyed being on the opposing side of it against Rotherham.
As the ball disappeared into the Atyeo Stand late in the second half, assistant manager Curtis Fleming appeared to find a spare out of nowhere and drop kicked it to Max O’Leary to get play back underway.
But everyone’s favourite official, Keith Stroud who was the man officiating between the two technical areas quickly had a word with the former Middlesbrough man before the old ball quickly found its way back on to the pitch to delay proceedings even further.
As ever at Ashton Gate, Stroud was repeatedly questioned by both sets of management and was the man to face the questions after Semenyo’s appeals for a penalty were waved away. Even when he’s not the man in focus, he can’t escape the frustrations of the Reds.
Beckham in attendance
No, not that one. While David Beckham has spent the last month in Qatar promoting the World Cup as one of the countries ambassadors, his son Romeo opted to instead watch the second most important game of the weekend.
Stationed in the Dolman Stand, the now Inter Miami II forward (who fits the City mould of being pushed to right wing-back most weeks) probably wished that he’d joined his dad to watch Lionel Messi lift the World Cup.
As for why he was there... it remains unclear. The 20-year-old did attend Millfield School in Somerset, while his girlfriend, model Mia Regan, is originally from Chippenham. So there are some West Country connections.
But what's most likely is he's been in the city over the last few days because his partner has been selling clothes at a pop-up shop at the Art Club in Broadmead last week and perhaps wanted to take a game in.
Maybe if connections are as strong as they appear - although City didn't exactly put on a show for him - Romeo could have a word his dad and see if fancies having a chat with the Reds’ set-piece takers to improve their delivery.
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