Bristol City player ratings: Nuisance 8/10 as 6/10 ‘struggles in Rotherham win

How the Bristol City players fared in their 3-1 win over Rotherham United at the New York Stadium
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Bristol City marked their return to Championship with a 3-1 win against Rotherham United. The Robins claimed their first win at the New York Stadium, winning for the first time in South Yorkshire 27 years.

An own goal from Wes Harding gave City the lead but Chiedozie Ogbenee equalised with a free-header. Joe Williams restored the lead, scoring from close range before Cameron Pring scored his first goal for the club with a header.

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It is the first time that City have tasted victory since October 18, after a run of six games without a win. More games are to be played across the division, but relieves the pressure at the bottom of the division, moving four points clear of the rop zone.

Against the run-of-play, City opened the scoring as Rotherham gifted them the opener after failing to make their early pressure count. Wells danced down his flank and whipped a left-footed cross that was turned in by Harding.

Rotherham got themselves back on level terms with Oliver Rathbone playing a major part in the hosts going from defensive scare to equaliser. The ball was spread out to Brooke Norton-Cuffy on City’s left-hand side and his cross was headed in at close range by Ogbene who was unmarked.

Rotherham’s joy was short lived as the visitors restored their lead in another gift-wrapped early Christmas present. Tommy Conway went down the side and his fierce cross was palmed by Viktor Johansson straight into Williams’ path for him to pounce on the rebound.

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City took the game by the scruff of the neck as they furthered their advantage in an otherwise scrappy second-half. Alex Scott’s shot was saved, resulting in a corner and the teenager crossed perfectly for Pring to head home.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary - 7

Nervy start with a few sliced clearances but distribution improved. Collective issue for Ogbene’s goal. He made a good save to deny Barlaser. A few great saves in the latter stages to keep the scoreline as it was.

George Tanner - 7

Started brightly and made a last-ditch block on Richard Wood, but lost his man when Ogbene scored. He picked himself up and helped City see out the game.

Andy King - 7

Tasked with being the centre of the back three with Naismith and Tanner alongside him. Caught out by Ogbene for the equaliser. Yellow card for a foul on the goalscorer. He picked himself up second half.

Kal Naismith - 8

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An assured performance from Naismith on his return to the side. He had a bit more freedom to roam as a left-sided centre-back.

Andi Weimann - 6

Weimann drifted in and could only watch on as Ogbene equalised. It wasn’t his man but there was a gap on the right-hand side. Substituted after being unable to run off an injury.

Matty James - 6

A scrappy affair in the centre of the park, James had to come deep to retireve the ball.

Joe Williams - 7

Williams has built a reputation as a midfield enforcer, but he’s adding goals to his game. He timed his run well and was pinpoint in his positioning to pounce on the rebound for his goal.

Alex Scott - 7

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Pinpoint. The talented teenager’s delivery was exquisite to set up Pring for his first goal. Scott’s saved shot set up the corner that resulted in the goal.

Cameron Pring - 7

Account opened for the club! In his more natural position at left wing-back rather than centre-back, which allowed him to venture forward.

Tommy Conway - 8

A real nuisance for the Rotherham defence, playing a part in City’s second goal. He’d earn nippy fouls from the defence and had much joy down the sides.

Nahki Wells - 7

A real handful for Rotherham’s defence in the first-half. Him and Conway would take turns to go down the flank to try and find the other striker. Played a part in the opener and almost got his own goal. Quiet in the second.

Mark Sykes, subbed on 53 - 6

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He came on to replace Andi Weimann who was unable to run off an injury. Did well when coming on, managed the game.

Antoine Semenyo, subbed on 75 - 6

Came on with 15 minutes remaining after Pring’s goal. He had a chance for a one-on-one and showed good determination but Scott High held him up well. Yellow carded for kicking the ball away

Sam Bell, subbed on 79 - 6

Bell showed some promise when he came on. A substitute outing will help his confidence.

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