Bristol City player ratings: ‘aggressive, dangerous, improved’ - 6/10s scored in lively draw with Swansea City

Bristol City levelled late on to draw 1-1 in their FA Cup third-round tie against Swansea City at Ashton Gate on Sunday.

Joel Piroe netted the opening goal of the game after a calamitous error by Rob Atkinson to put Russell Martin’s side ahead at the break.

In a much improved second-half display from the hosts, Antoine Semenyo headed in the equaliser with 15 minutes to play.

The result leaves both sides with the opportunity of progressing to the fourth round, with the draw set to take place Sunday afternoon.

Story of the match:

The hosts made a fast start to the match and won a free kick on the edge of the Swans’ box with less than 10 seconds on the clock. Kal Naismith stepped up but could only shoot over the crossbar.

Naismith fired a low cross into the area from another set piece minutes later, but Steven Benda gathered. The visitors counterattacked immediately, but Ryan Manning’s ball into the box was held onto by Max O’Leary.

On the 15-minute mark, a glaring error from Atkinson gifted Swansea the opener. His mis-hit pass fell to Liam Cullen, who rolled the ball to Piroe to tap in for his fourth in five games.

Semenyo looked to have been dragged down by Ben Cabango in the area minutes later, but referee Craig Pawson said no spot kick. It is now 428 days since Pearson’s side were last awarded a penalty.

As the Swans began to dominate the ball, Pearson’s side grew frustrated. Their frustration was let out by Naismith as he clattered into Joel Latibeaudiere with a few minutes left of the first half.

On the stroke of half-time, the Robins almost had the chance to level. Atkinson looked to have brought down in front of Benda’s goal, but the referee said no penalty once more.

The Robins shifted to a four at the back in the second period as Naismith moved into midfield, which provided more solidity out of possession.

The intensity increased from the home side, and they began to get into dangerous areas, but the final bit of quality was missing.

Semenyo provided that missing quality 15 minutes from full time. Andreas Weimann crossed high into the area and the Ghanaian headed the ball into the ground to bounce over Benda and in.

The Robins pushed for a late winner but had to settle for a draw.

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 6

Had no chance with the opening goal, and little else to do in the first half.

Zak Vyner – 6

The most assured of the back three but offered little when in possession.

Rob Atkinson – 5

Made a horrible error for Swansea’s opener but recovered well. Aggressive in the air and in the tackle and unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.

Kal Naismith – 7

Aggressive, and made a couple of nice crosses and balls in behind, but susceptible to the ball in behind. Introduced greater intensity when moved into midfield second half. Booked for a late challenge.

George Tanner – 6

Did little on the ball and was caught forward a couple of times when Swansea transitioned. Like many others, improved in the second half.

Matty James – 6

Got played through by the Swansea midfield too easily and didn’t get a foothold of the game. Asserted himself more as the game went on.

Alex Scott – 6

Provided a couple of moments of class but struggled positionally out of possession.

Cameron Pring – 7

Never in the game and struggled to get forward. Made a late tackle to prevent Piroe from firing at goal early in the first half. Was a threat late in the game and provided some dangerous crosses. Made a brilliant last-ditch tackle to stop a goalscoring chance.

Andreas Weimann – 7

Pressed the Swans’ defence aggressively and ran his socks off. Crossed for Semenyo’s equaliser.

Antoine Semenyo – 7

Looked dangerous and was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. Was a threat with his pace and headed home the equalising goal on the day.

Tommy Conway – 6

Was given no time by the visiting defence and forced off injured after 25 minutes.

Nahki Wells (subbed on for Conway, 25’) – 6

Chased every loose ball but was an isolated figure.

Joe Williams (subbed on for Naismith, 72’) – 6

Sprayed the ball about well when he came on.

Mark Sykes (subbed on for Tanner, 72’) – 6

Was a threat down the right-hand side.

Sam Bell (subbed on for Scott, 84’) – N/A