Stefan Bajic – 6
The French stopper had little to do in the first half and when called into action he looked fairly comfortable. He was vocal and has certainly been working on his English, especially “keepers” and “man-on.” Made a solid save low to his left in the second half but still room for improvement with his distribution and commanding of his area. Hard to lay any blame on him for the goal.
Zac Bell – 6
Solid with some good touches in tight areas, although was frustrated with himself on a number of occasions as his touch let him down in the first half. Physically could have been a bit stronger but hard to judge up against a tough strike force and when being compared with senior defenders.
George Tanner – 8
Little to do defensively but as solid as ever. Consistently tidy in possession and a great ball over the top to find Sam Bell for the second goal, before feeding him through again in the second half. May be disappointed to concede down his side but little to suggest it was his fault. Certainly, won’t have hurt his prospects of a first team return against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Rob Atkinson – 7
Pretty much what we’ve come to expect of the defender, strong aerially and almost impossible to run past and a threat on the ball. Maybe would’ve liked to have found the net himself as he managed to get a head on nearly every set-piece. You’d imagine it will have only enhanced his chances of a return to the first-team fold.
Duncan Idehen – 7
A rock at the back, he showed in his spell in the senior set-up last season he liked a big tackle and that remains the case. Strong both in the tackle and aerially and looked comfortable at the heart of the backline. Will have impressed any protentional loan suitors, but still could do with a bit more composure on the ball.
Sam Pearson – 6
A striker playing at wing-back is the Bristol City way. Out of position but certainly not showing it, deployed at left wing-back in front of Rob Atkinson and the pair stopped anything productive from developing down their side. Few opportunities to show his attacking pedigree but a constant threat with his genuine pace, struggled to get involved in his cameo upfront.
Han-Noah Massengo – 6
As usual a sense of excitement and anticipation every time he touches the ball and plenty of flashes of his sheer talent, but not quite that final ball or finish. Looks definitely above this level but not quite having the influence on matches that his fellow first teamers have. On another day could’ve scored found the net but never seems to find the killer instinct.
Omar Taylor-Clarke – 6
Another player with plenty of talent that probably didn’t have the greatest influence on proceedings. In a game where the midfield was more of a scrap for possession, he battled well but had little time to create much. Great free-kick delivery to cause confusion in the build-up to Kadji’s goal.
Dylan Kadji - 7
Given the responsibility of captaining a side with plenty of first-team experience and was as tidy as ever in possession while working hard in the middle of the park. Good anticipation for his goal as he converted from close range. Will be interesting to see if a loan move is considered in January to aid his development.
Seb Palmer-Holden – 7
Excellent composure to intercept the ball before rounding the keeper to roll into an empty net and open the scoring. Had a quiet game other than that but some impressive moments when linking the play.
Sam Bell – 9
The man in form for the young Robins, and another two goals to add to his tally. Excellent pace to get in behind the backline (whether he was onside is another question) and a really composed finish. Continued his willingness to run in the second half and was once again found by Tanner before rounding the keeper.
He could’ve easily had a hat-trick as well, he may not have found his feet at senior level but he’s a cheat code for the under-21s.
Substitutes
Harry Leeson (for Palmer-Houlden, '64) – 6
A couple of decent challenges and linked up well with Massengo and Atkinson, another product of the City left-back academy conveyer belt.
Tommy Backwell (for Pearson, '82) - N/A
Ben Acey (for Taylor-Clarke, '88) - N/A
Joe Porton (for Kadji, '88) - N/A
Sub not used: Mac Boyd
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
