Max O'Leary - 7
A big save early on which came just a minute before City's opener when he denied Cannon from close range. Three top-class saves to deny Evans in the first half and Cannon at the beginning of the second. His one error led to a goal when he fumbled a strike from distance. An easy eight if it wasn't for the fumble.
George Tanner - 7
Signs of the confidence he is playing with at the moment. Was obviously tasked with keeping it simple, remaining compact at the back and letting the front men to the work down the flanks.
Zak Vyner - 7
One or two lapses of communication with O'Leary at the back threatened to put City under pressure but aside from that, another solid performance alongside Atkinson. Moved into the middle of a back three when Kalas was introduced.
Rob Atkinson - 8
A terrific battle up against Liam Delap who matched him for strength and pace. Had to dig deep at times and throw his body on the line but stood firm. Another dominant aerial performance.
Cam Pring - 8
Played very similar to Tanner by remaining disciplined at left-back resisting the temptation to push forward until City moved to a back three. A superb tackle on Delap in the second half in the area.
Kal Naismith (off 30, Williams) - 6
Battled in the defensive midfield role and was forced to pick up the scraps with Preston's long balls forward. Some excellent passes were followed by a few misplaced ones. Forced off with an injury on 30 minutes and replaced by Joe Williams.
Matty James - 7
A classic James performance. Rarely caught the eye but was up for the physical test in midfield. Did plenty of leg work that allowed Scott to play with freedom. Influence shouldn't be underestimated.
Alex Scott - 8
Too many good moments to mention but his role in Bristol City's second was sensational. The control and vision to release Wells was out of this world. Booked in the second half for his 10th yellow of the season. Carried the ball so well up the field, the ball just sticks to his feet.
Mark Sykes - 7
Gifted the opening goal when taking advantage of Brady's error but showed composure to round the keeper before firing into an empty net. Enjoyed space early on in the game but faded as the contest went on. Moved to wing-back for the final 20 minutes.
Sam Bell (off 87, Weimann) - 7
Threatened with moments in the first half with his pace before pouncing at the back post to score his first league goal right on half-time and his fourth in four games. Quieter in the second period, but was forced to show his defensive side of the game. Showed some positive link-up play with Cornick.
Nahki Wells (off 68, Cornick) - 7
Opportunities few and far between in the first half but did have a left-footed effort fired straight at the keeper. Produced a sensational cross to the back post for Sam Bell. Booked for shoving Cunningham - perhaps lucky only to see a yellow.
Substitutes
Joe Williams (on 30, Naismith) - 7
A typical industrial-like performance by the midfielder who was deep in Preston's half one minute and tackling near his own box the next. One or two forced passes forward when an easier option was available.
Harry Cornick (on 68, Wells) - 6
Almost created an opening just a minute after coming on before receiving a booking. Glimpses of quality alongside Bell. Attempted to close down everything.
Tomas Kalas (on 68, Tanner) - 6
A tough game to be introduced to with Preston pushing for the equaliser. Won his fair share of headers and helped organised the backline.
Andi Weimann (on 87, Bell) - N/A
Subs not used: Haikin, Mehmeti, Dasilva
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