Bristol City player ratings vs Middlesbrough: 'Spectacular' 8/10 scored as 6/10 'struggles' in Championship thriller

Bristol City edged past in-form Championship rivals Middlesbrough 3-2 in a thrilling match in Liam Manning’s first home game as manager.

A stunning Taylor Gardner-Hickman strike opened the scoring before Tommy Conway doubled the host’s lead from the penalty spot before the break.

Two goals in two minutes saw Boro draw level early in the second half, as Zak Vyner’s own goal was followed up by Matt Crooks.

The City response was positive, and Mark Sykes’ brilliant controlled volley after a corner proved the winning goal.

The Robins move up two places into ninth in the table, two points off the play-offs.

Here’s how the City players fared…

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 7

Had little to do in the way of shot-stopping in the first half, made a couple of comfortable catches from Isaiah Jones and Emmanuel Latte Lath efforts and was assured with the ball at his feet. But he soon made up for his lack of action after the break.

Couldn’t have done much to prevent Vyner’s OG as he struggled to regain his footing and had little chance with Crooks’ close-range finish, but made some important interventions late on.

George Tanner – 7

Tucked in more to form a back three at times and generally got about his defensive work strongly. Was caught out with a couple of overloads on his side on occasion and made a costly error when dispossessed by Sam Greenwood in the build-up to the Boro equaliser.

Rob Dickie – 8

Had a few uncomfortable moments early on but soon settled and had a lot of the ball. Played some pinpoint passes into Knight and travelled into open space to commit opposition players effectively. Had his work cut out against Jones but was solid and powerful in the air.

Zak Vyner – 7

Was unfortunate to divert the ball into his own net when attempting to cushion back to O’Leary and took a poor early touch that was pounced upon by Greenwood. However, those were really the only two blips in what was a typically assured and composed performance.

Cam Pring – 6

Pushed up a little higher than usual but couldn’t affect the game in an attacking sense very much or link up with Bell. Was a passenger for most of the afternoon but never looked troubled defensively.

Matty James – 7

Sat in front of the back four and completed his usual duties up against some nimble opponents. Popped up in the Middlesbrough box to get a toe on the loose ball to win City’s spot kick on the stroke of half-time.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 8

Fired in a spectacular opening goal and was tenacious in the middle. Always showed for the ball and slotted in well with James.

Jason Knight – 7

Provided plenty of energy in the middle and pushed forward to play off Conway at times. Couldn’t forge any opportunities for himself but his outstanding efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Mark Sykes – 8

Worked extremely hard to track back and create turnovers to attack. Played a key part in James winning the City penalty and turned on the style after Boro’s equaliser to get City back on the front foot. Capped a top display with a sweet volley into the top corner.

Tommy Conway – 7

Looked a lonely figure for much of the first half and missed a golden chance when put through by Jones before the break. But, showed excellent composure to slot home his spot kick after having plenty of time to think about it.

Sam Bell – 6

Gave the ball away too much on occasion and struggled to get any change out of Rav van den Bergh on the left flank. Just not his day.

Anis Mehmeti (subbed on for Bell, 69’) – 7

Came on and hassled on the left flank, went on a mazy run in the dying stages before seeing his shot saved.

Harry Cornick (subbed on for Conway, 69’) – 7

Made a good block in his own area as Boro pushed for a late equaliser and drove forward with the ball dangerously late on.

Kal Naismith (subbed on for Sykes, 80’) – N/A

Joe Williams (subbed on for James, 90') - N/A