Bristol City player ratings: Five 8/10s as striker shows ‘moment of quality’ against Huddersfield Town

Bristol City defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0 at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, to extend their unbeaten run to seven.

Nahki Wells’ close range header after half an hour gave the hosts a narrow lead at the break.

Second half substitute Antoine Semenyo sealed the victory with ten minutes to play, after a thundering strike into the top corner.

The result is the Robins third consecutive home win, while the Terriers remain pointless away from home this season.

Story of the match

Despite the Terriers enjoying the majority of the ball in the early exchanges, it was Pearson’s side who almost took an early lead. Mark Sykes’ low cross was prodded at goal by Andi Weimann, but the Austrian saw his shot bounce back off the post.

The ball then fell to Alex Scott, whose 20 yard effort was eventually scrambled behind by Tommy Conway after Lee Nicholls had fumbled the initial effort.

Huddersfield, though, responded well and almost took the lead minutes later, but Tom Lees’ free header from six yards out blazed over the crossbar.

There was little in the way of any further chances as both sides looked comfortable at the back - until the 25-minute mark.

Sorba Thomas beat Rob Atkinson on the left flank and crossed invitingly to the back post where Ollie Turton was storming in from right back to meet the dropping ball, but he could only direct his header wide of Daniel Bentley’s goal from six yards out.

Danny Schofield’s side were made to rue their missed opportunities with 35 minutes played, as the Robins took the lead.

Jay Dasilva’s whipped in cross from the left wing landed perfectly onto the head of Wells, who directed the header into the top corner of Nicholls’ net.

The away side came out brightly after half-time. They quickly earned a corner and came the width of the goal line away from an equaliser. A looping header from Lees was tipped onto the crossbar by Bentley, before Conway reacted sharply to hulk the ball away off of the goal line.

Thomas then beat the offside line to go through on goal minutes later, but the Robins’ keeper was out quickly to clear.

Pearson’s side then began to gain more control over proceedings, until a sloppy error almost cost them. Naismith’s underhit pass across the backline was intercepted by Duane Holmes. The forward went through on goal, but again Bentley was out smartly to deny Schofield’s side.

There was little to add up to the 75 minute mark, as both sides failed to create any real openings - which left the match perfectly poised going into the latter stages.

With ten to play, it looked as if the Terriers had found an equaliser. A long ball was met by Pat Jones, and his prodded effort looked goalbound as it bounced toward the net. But after what seemed to take a lifetime, his shot bounced back off the post.

The Robins immediately turned defence into attack, and another long pass out to the left found Semenyo. The striker beat his man before cutting inside onto his right foot to unleash a powerful effort into the right side of Nicholls’ goal.

City were then able to see the game out comfortably, and almost put the icing on the cake when Joe Williams’ free kick was headed goalwards by Rob Atkinson - however Nicholls got down well to push away.

Player ratings

Daniel Bentley – 8

Untroubled for most of the first half, but was effective in playing the ball out from the backline. Came out sharply to deny Thomas going through on goal after the break, and made a couple of smart stops in the second half. Clean sheet.

Zak Vyner – 7

Generally solid in defence and assured on the ball, however looked vulnerable on a couple of occasions when one against one.

Kal Naismith – 7

Looked assured at the heart of the backline, and used the ball well when in possession with plenty of composure. Had one sloppy moment when he lost the ball as last man, but Bentley came to his rescue.

Rob Atkinson – 8

Like Naismith, was rarely troubled at the back. Proved very effective when travelling into the away side’s half with the ball to create space for the attacking players.

Mark Sykes – 8

Played with excellent intensity throughout, tenacious in the tackle and a constant threat behind Josh Ruffels. Provided a number of threatening crosses into the Terriers box.

Alex Scott – 7

Struggled to get into the game for a while, but another bright display from the youngster overall. Picked up plently of loose balls and was busy in midfield.

Matty James – 7

Won the ball back on numerous occasions and always used it well. Added a level of stability in the middle of the park.

Jay Dasilva – 8

Got about his defensive work as tenacious as usual, and looked solid throughout. He was also able to show off his offensive abilities, with a number of dangerous crosses - including one for the opening goal.

Andi Weimann – 6

Was full of running as usual, but couldn’t affect the game as he would’ve hoped. Hit the post early on with a scuffed effort.

Nahki Wells – 8

Wasn’t firing on all cylinders early on, but a moment of quality for the opening goal proved vital. Ran his socks off again, and was a thorn in the side of the visitors’ defence.

Tommy Conway – 6

Looked a threat in behind the Terriers backline and was full of running, but just wasn’t his night. Replaced before the hour mark.

Antoine Semenyo (subbed on for Conway, 58’) - 7

Netted the second goal with a thunderous near post finish. Still working his way back from injury, but still has that bit of extra quality.

Joe Williams (subbed on for Scott, 72’) - 6

Busy in midfield, and kept the play ticking in the final stages.

Chris Martin (subbed on for Wells, 81’) - 6

Helped see the game out in the final stages.

Han-Noah Massengo (subbed on for James, 81’) - 6

Came on to see the game out.