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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City player ratings vs Birmingham: Rob Atkinson makes solid return as Sam Bell struggles

Dan Bentley - 6

Little chance with the opening two goals and didn't particularly do much wrong. Increasingly frustrated with his defence having screamed at them in the first half. A good save to deny Bacuna in the second. A brilliant save in injury time.

Sam Bell - 3

Endured a horrible first half as the visitors targetted him down the right side. His positioning was found wanting but as a forward playing as a wing-back, it's hardly surprising. Could have had an assist if the strikers were alive to his crosses. Taken off for Rob Atkinson at half-time.

Tomas Kalas - 5

Failed to command his box when the deliveries went in, especially in the first half, and Hernandez gave him a torrid afternoon with his pace. Struggled down his side having been forced to cover for Bell but looked more assured when Scott came across to wing-back in the second half.

Timm Klose - 4

Booked in the first half for a strong tackle that probably played a part in his half-time substitution. Endured a very difficult first 45 minutes as the Birmingham strikers gave him the run around. Struggled with the pace of the opposition.

Jay Dasilva - 6

Taylor gave him a difficult opening 45 minutes but was one of the defenders who can come out with the slightest bit of credit. Assisted Scott's goal with a great delivery and looked dangerous when he got himself into Birmingham's box.

Matty James - 5

His first start since early January didn't get off to the best of starts when he was turned by Chong for Blues' opener. Looked rusty early on but grew into the game. Flew in with a number of meaty challenges. Subbed off for Wells with 20 minutes to play.

Joe Williams - 6

Not many positives in the first half but was the driving force in the second as he helped get City up the pitch. Birmingham's attacking players broke the midfield line too often. Better in possession this weekend compared to last.

Alex Scott - 7

In the right place at the right time to score the opener when he poked it home from close range. Anonymous in the first half but much better in the second when moving to a wing-back position. A couple of good deliveries, one which created a decent opportunity for Atkinson at the back post. Booked in second half.

Andi Weimann - 5

Full of running but without the end product we have come so accustomed to seeing. Could have scored in the first half but was caught on his heels when Bell's dangerous delivery came into the box. Had a free header but couldn't generate the power. Covered plenty of ground.

Antoine Semenyo - 6

Came to life in the second half and created plenty of problems for Birmingham's defence. Could and probably should have scored when his deflected effort went over the bar. Got in behind the defence but nobody could get on the end of his crosses. Looked the most likely out of the forwards to make something happen.

Chris Martin - 4

His style of play seemed to play into the hands of Marc Roberts who the two enjoying a physical battle. Loose in possession in the first half and was forced to drop very deep to get the ball at times. Failed to make much of an impact.

Substitutes

Rob Atkinson (on Bell, 46) - 7

A decent cameo from Atkinson on his return from injury, winning aerial challenges and strong in the tackle. Made a case to start next weekend.

Cam Pring (on Klose, 46)- 6

Didn't particularly put a foot wrong following his introduction but Birmingham looked more content to sit deeper in the second period.

Nahki Wells (on James, 71) - 6

Couldn't have the impact he desired but was desperate to make an impression. Gave the ball away on occasions.

Subs not used: O'Leary, Conway, Benarous, Massengo

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