Bristol City 1-1 Sheffield United: Player ratings & man of the match as Robins take point from Blades

Bristol City took a point from promotion chasing Sheffield United as they held them to a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship.

Chris Martin opened the scoring early in the second-half but the Robins could not hold onto their lead as Morgan Gibbs-White responded for the Blades.

The draw keeps City in 18th place and are now level on 49 points with their Severnside rivals Cardiff City, though they do have a game in hand.

United remain in the top six and are ahead of Millwall by a point but miss the opportunity to strengthen their grip on a play-off spot.

Nigel Pearson’s side remain in search of their first back-to-back wins but they have put together a three-game unbeaten run to gain some momentum into the final few games of the campaign.

It was the home side that started the match on the front foot. A neat interchange between John Fleck and Morgan Gibbs-White forced Daniel Bentley into a much-needed save as he blocked his goal bound shot with his leg. Sander Berge then dragged a shot just past the post in a dominant spell for United.

Their passing play was superb and they created another gilt edged chance but Iliman Ndiaye in a one-on-one dragged his shot wide of the goal. Enda Stevens then went near before stoppage time with his low going the other side of the post.

After almost conceding at one end City took the lead in a blistering counter-attacking move. Bentley’s long kick found Semenyo on the flank and he squared it to Martin to score with an easy finish.

Counter-attacking was their best form of attack and they almost scored a quick-fire second but Semenyo failed to keep his shot down.

City were made to rue that missed chance as United got back on level terms on the hour mark. Gibbs-White positioned himself well enough to score an instinctive bicycle kick on the rebound.

Dealt a blow with injuries to Jay Dasilva and Antoine Semenyo, City almost got back in front through substitute Nahki Wells. The foward played on with an advantage and shot narrowly wide of the target.

The heroes

Chris Martin: His work often goes amiss for City but it’s a good feeling when he gets on the score sheet. Positioned himself well for his goal and was a handful in the air whilst also bringing his opponents into the game.

Han-Noah Massengo: Playing in the absence of Joe Williams, the French midfielder delivered one of his better performances. Played with a determined feel about himself.

The villains

Injuries: This is something that City will want to see the back of next season and that’s the injuries piling up. Jay Dasilva and Antoine Semenyo were both forced off.

United’s cynical players: The likes of John Fleck and George Baldock were carded for delaying play and a cynical foul. Tensions may be high but it was also their downfall at times.