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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City U21s player ratings vs Newcastle: Sam Bell scores a perfect ten in superb victory

Jose Casa-Grande - 7

Had very little to do in the opening 45 minutes but remained calm and collected under pressure with the ball at his feet. Was alert to the danger to come out of his area and make a well-timed sliding challenge minutes into the second half. Showed a strong left hand to keep Newcastle at bay. Positive in coming out to clear the ball from set-pieces and deserving of his clean sheet.

George Tanner - 8

Started on the right of the defensive three and enjoyed a comfortable afternoon which is more due to his ability rather than the opponent's quality. What he lacks in the aerial duel he makes up for his intelligence on the pitch and composure on the ball. Helped get City going forward with his positive passes into midfield.

Jamie Knight-Lebel - 8

Played on the left of the defensive three and similar to Tanner, was rarely troubled. He rarely draws attention to himself which is the sign of a reliable central defender. Dealt with the pace behind before moving into the middle when Low came off in the second half.

Joe Low (off 77, Raph Araoye) - 8

Had the perfect response to his difficult senior debut by powering home a header to open the scoring. Such a colossal figure at the back. Newcastle's towering striker was subbed at half-time which reflected his dominance. Won all his aerial battles and no sign that his confidence has been shaken.

Harry Leeson - 7

Naturally right-footed but played out on the left. Was rarely troubled from a defensive perspective but didn't get forward as much as we have been accustomed to seeing. Likes to cut back onto his right and has the ability to carve open defences with the diagonal pass. A little awkward on his left foot at times and booked at the end.

Zac Bell - 9

Was locked in a terrific battle with opponent Matthew Bondswell on the right side. Certainly came out on top both with his ability and physicality as he made countless surges forward to the byline before digging out a cross. Sat deeper in the second half but another really impressive showing at wing-back.

Elijah Morrison (off 40, Rose) - 6

Played behind the front pairing in the No10 role and picked up an early booking. He may be just 16, but used his body superbly to shield the ball and is not shy in throwing himself into a tackle. Was relatively quiet but burst into life for City's third with a brilliant direct run into the area, showing off his pace and skill. Subbed off before half-time after almost picking up a second booking. Really is an exciting talent.

Omar Taylor-Clarke (off 77, Prince Henry) - 7

Showed his tenacity in midfield, playing deeper alongside Ben Acey. Played a key role in the opening two goals with his in-swinging corner headed in by Low. It was his clearance that then freed Bell to open the Newcastle defence. Quieter in the second as Newcastle enjoyed more of the ball before coming off with a knock.

Ben Acey - 8

Often plays as the No10 behind the forwards but sat deeper which offered a glimpse of his discipline and defensive nous. Involved in a decent match-up with Joe White and closed him down on his every touch. Was effective providing that extra layer of protection in front of the defence and stood out with his quality in the tackle.

Sam Pearson (off 60, Palmer-Houlden) - 8

His pace alongside Bell caused asked plenty of questions of the Newcastle defence and he unselfishly assisted his team-mate for City's second. Chased every ball down and was unlucky not to score when his goalbound effort hit a Newcastle defender. Assisted Bell with a pin-point pass through the defence for his hat-trick before picking up a yellow card.

A complete performance which just lacked a goal.

Sam Bell - 10

Scored a superb second for City when he showed great composure to free striker partner Pearson before receiving the square ball back to him. Doubled his tally by being in the right place at the right time before finding the bottom corner on the angle for his hat-trick. A striker bang in form and Newcastle couldn't deal with his pace and movement. Too good for this level.

Substitutes

Marley Rose (on 40, Morrison) - 7

He's very good at finding those pockets of space in the midfield and collect the ball with his back to goal. Has the ability to turn and drive forward without heavily influencing the game.

Seb Palmer-Houlden (on 60, Pearson) - 7

Almost scored City's fifth when his strike in the area was saved well to the keeper's right. Could have had another when his pulled his strike wide when played through on goal.

Prince Henry (on 77, Taylor-Clarke) N/A

Raph Araoye (on 77, Low) - N/A

Subs not used: Joe Duncan

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