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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City U21 player ratings vs Wigan: Palmer-Houlden stands out as Francois shows flashes

Harvey Wiles-Richards - 5

Made an error for Wigan's early opener when a pass looking for a red shirt was intercepted by Chris Sze. Distribution was wayward, particularly early on but improved as the contest went on. Made a smart save to his near post in the first half and was unlucky that his late save was pushed into the path of Wigan's trialist for the winner.

Harry Leeson - 6

Like the rest of the back four, had a difficult start with Wigan finding runners in behind but soon settled. Offered an attacking threat down the right side, working well with Francois. Joe Adams asked one or two questions of him defensively but didn't appear particularly untroubled. Scrappy at times in the tackle.

Zac Bell - 6

His passing wasn't up to his usual high standards for the most part, although showed his intention to play the ball forward. A superb covering block in the second half to deny a decent opportunity.

Duncan Idehen - 7

Looked a little lost playing in a back four in the opening 15 minutes with Wigan taking advantage of numerous defensive errors when City were slack in possession. Improved as the game went on, making numerous blocks and interceptions. Gets across the pitch well to cover the passes behind the full-backs. Great timing in the tackle.

Callum Wood - 7

Was an aerial outlet for Wiles-Richards when looking for the crossfield diagonal. Rarely loses a header. Strong in the tackle and consistent with his passing in keeping the ball. Fired over with 10 minutes to play which could have been the winner. Easy to see why he has been travelling with the senior squad.

Elijah Morrison - 7

Played as a left-winger with City in a back four and after a quiet opening 25 minutes, he came to life. Almost scored with a glancing header and got into some good crossing positions. Stuck to his defensive duties well. Drifted in and out of the game, particularly in the second half.

Tommy Backwell (off 62, Acey) - 6

Almost made a costly error inside his own area early on but put it to the back of his mind quickly, making positive runs from deep. Fired wide following a terrific solo run following an interchange with Palmer-Houlden. Quieter in the second half.

Omar Taylor-Clarke - 6

Great energy from midfield, putting pressure on the ball high up the pitch which almost allowed Francois to put the hosts ahead. Probably didn't get on the ball as much as he would have liked and therefore was unable to dictate the game to his pace.

Ewan Clark (off 62, Yeboah) - 6

Played behind the striker and could weave his way out of tight areas, getting into good positions but sometimes guilty of holding onto the ball for a second too long. Drifted in and out of the contest but showed flashes of his capability in the No10 role, especially when running at his opponents.

Marlee Francois (off 67, Thomas) - 7

A brilliant turn of pace to take it around his opponent before playing a perfect cross for Palmer-Houlden to score the equaliser. Troubled their full-back all afternoon, firing an effort wide of the post in the second half. Less influential in the final 10 minutes before coming off.

Seb Palmer-Houlden - 8

Grabbed the equaliser when he met Francois' delivery to bury it beyond keeper Tom Watson. Works tremendously hard, including chasing a lost cause down the right touchline which earned his opponent a yellow card. Is deceivingly quick too when at full pelt. Made a couple of smart runs through the defence without really testing the goalkeeper with his efforts.

Substitutes

Ephraim Yeboah (on 62, Clark) - 6

Played on the right of the front three but didn't have much of an impact in forward areas. Worked hard to get back and help out Leeson defensively.

Ben Acey (on 62, Backwell) - 6

Had a really good opening when he picked up the ball towards the edge of the area but was loose in possession when he should have shot.

Olly Thomas (on 67, Francois) - 6

Showed his pace and ability to break forward in the final third, also holding to the ball up for fellow runners to get in behind but couldn't have an impact in front of goal.

Subs not used: Duncan, Nelson

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