Bristol City player ratings as ‘impressive’ 7.5/10 and four 7/10s see Robins revel in 2-0 Stoke win

Bristol City welcomed Stoke City to Ashton Gate in Roy Hodgson’s final game as interim manager, with both sides looking to end the season on a positive note. The visitors arrived with the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the last seven between the sides, including a dominant 5-1 victory at the Bet365 Stadium earlier this campaign. However, City had the better of the last encounter in BS3, where former forward Anis Mehmeti struck twice in a 2-0 win.

With the Robins targeting a highest possible finish of 11th and Stoke knowing a victory would leave them just one point behind their hosts, there was still plenty at stake on the final day at Ashton Gate.

The former England boss made two changes to a side that suffered defeat at Birmingham last weekend seeing Rob Dickie return to the starting lineup since injury and Adam Randell brought into the frame while Sam Bell and Cam Pring. Meanwhile, Delano Burgzog made his Ashton Gate start.

And it took less than a minute for the deadlock to be broken, as a dreadful error from Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson gifted the Surimane’s his first goal in a Bristol City shirt since joining from Middlesbrough in January, handing the hosts an early advantage.

City looked to build on that fast start, and Tomi Horvat came close soon after, his left-footed effort from the edge of the box drifting just wide of the post. Stoke responded with intent, and Junior Tchamadeu nearly produced a spectacular equaliser. Latching onto a cleared corner, the full-back struck a fierce effort from 18 yards that crashed against the crossbar.

Just before the break, Scott Twine thought he had doubled the Robins’ lead after a brilliant touch took him beyond the Stoke defence, but the midfielder blazed his effort over the bar when well placed, leaving the hosts to settle for a narrow lead at half-time.

City began the second half on the front foot, with Horvat’s dangerous free-kick from the right picking out Rob Dickie, who rose well but couldn’t guide his header on target as he almost earned a first goal since November’s win over Swansea.

Horvat remained at the heart of the action moments later, collecting the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful effort that struck the post. From the resulting corner, the Slovenian again delivered, this time finding the head of the returning Adam Randell, whose effort drifted narrowly wide.

As the visitors began to grow into the game, they struggled to truly test Radek Vitek. Their closest opening came when substitute Sam Gallagher flicked a header into the path of Million Manhoef, who laid it off for Sorba Thomas on the edge of the box, but his effort was comfortably gathered by the City goalkeeper, much to his frustration.

In the closing stages, City finally doubled their lead. A long-range effort from Twine forced a corner, and from the delivery Dickie’s header caused problems before substitute Sam Bell reacted quickest to the loose ball, calmly slotting into the bottom corner, earning a second consecutive goal at Ashton Gate. The City academy graduate wheeled away in celebration in front of Section 82.

Hodgson’s side ended the campaign in style after this well earned victory sitting 12th in the table on 62 points, losing just two of their last seven fixtures under the ex Liverpool boss.

City ratings

Radek Vitek: On what will probably be his final appearance in Bristol City colours, the Manchester United loanee had a very quiet first half with the majority of Stoke’s efforts either wide or over the bar. The second half was much of the same with Stoke trying their luck with crosses and shots from range, but Vitek couldn’t be beaten and secured a second clean sheet in his last three home games. 7

Ross McCrorie: On his final chance to impress Scotland manager Steve Clarke ahead of this summer’s World Cup, he delivered an impressive performance. Was constantly up and down the right side connecting with Jason Knight. Defending, wise, there wasn't a lot for him to do in the first half as the majority of the time came down the left-hand side. 7.5

Noah Elie: That concludes Elie’s first season in English football, and although he's only played since January, his body will probably think it's not had a break for years. Since his debut against Swansea, he's played 90 minutes in every game and 120 minutes at Port Vale. He's been imperious and will be a big player next season for City. 7

Rob Dickie: First start in a while today for Dickie after an injury had kept him out for a while, and it was like he never left. City’s back four looked so much more comfortable with two centre-backs playing, and although Borges deputised well Dickie’s return had City playing so much better. Looked very good with the ball as well, which he hasn't at times this season, but was today. 7.5

Neto Borges: The Brazilian’s performance in the 5-1 defeat in the reverse fixture was not his finest; however, today was a lot better from Neto. Started at left back, which is probably his natural position, and he looks so much more comfortable there. Kept dangerous winger Million Manhoef quiet throughout and got into some dangerous areas early on up the pitch. 7.5

Sam Morsy: The Egyptian has been a different player since Hodgson came in, and today was another solid performance from Morsy. Always comfortable on the ball and never really looks stressed, even when being pressed. It remains to be seen whether Morsy will be at Ashton Gate next season, but if performances like that continue, then he’d be more than welcome. 7

Adam Randell: City’s workhorse this season will probably be another one who isn't complaining that all 46 games have been played and the season is over. Up until the new year, Randell had played almost every minute, and they were solid and consistent performances as well. Today’s was ok from Randell as he and Knight did very well to keep what could be a dangerous Stoke team to very little going forward. 6.5

Jason Knight: The toll of last season’s marathon took a toll on Knight’s body this season, and he missed several games due to injury gaps. But when he was on the pitch, there were good performances from Knight, but he will probably think they could be better. It would be fair to say that Knight fits in Hodgson and Manning’s style of football compared to Struber's. 6.5

Tomi Horvat: Fresh off his first goal for Bristol City last weekend in the 2-1 defeat away at Birmingham, the Slovenian looked to have so much more confidence and fluidity with his game. Constantly getting the ball in the middle of the Stoke half and then looking to drive forward. Was unlucky not to pick up his first Ashton Gate goal after a low effort from 15 yards struck the inside of the far post and was eventually cleared. 7.5

Scott Twine: No goal for Twine today; however, he finishes the season as Bristol City's top league scorer and top assister after bagging 12 goals and seven assists throughout the season. He did look dangerous throughout and was playing some beautiful passes across all areas of the pitch, but just couldn't find the final ball. 6.5

Delano Burgzorg: First Ashton Gate start for the striker paid off after just 48 seconds when he fired into an empty net. The Suriname-born striker had a good overall striker's performance with some good hold-up play and runs down the line and in behind the centre-backs, but didn't get any other big chance at goal. This loan spell hasn’t worked out for the striker, but he’ll be happy to end the season with a goal. 7

Substitutions

Sam Bell: Bell made it back-to-back home games with a goal as he finished the game off with a late second goal. Bell is a very good option to have on the bench to come on against tired defences. 7.5

Mark Sykes: The Irishman came on, not for McCrorie this time, and tried to get some wing play going, but it just wasn't working despite his best efforts. 6

Emil Riis: Only on the pitch for five or so minutes, but picked up the top goal scorer award after the game ended. 6