Bristol City will play West Brom in the fourth round of the FA Cup as they defeated Swansea City 2-1 at the Swansea.com Stadium after extra-time. Substitute Sam Bell scored the match-winning goal eight minutes from time after supplying Mark Sykes for the opener which was cancelled out by Oli Cooper.
The Robins started on the front foot and dominated possession against a side that aren’t used to being without the ball. Antoine Semenyo made some half runs but could not find his teammates when he was in a position.
In a scoreless first-half, Swansea had only goal scoring opportunities with Olivier Ntcham’s low-driven effort from just outside the box saved by Max O’Leary. O’Leary had to save another attempt - from his own player Zak Vyner - whose miskick from Matthew Sorinola’s cross almost beat the City goalkeeper.
Swansea started on the front foot in the second-half and sent numerous warning signs with Nathan Wood stinging O’Leary’s palms, whilst Joel Piroe went close with a shot that fizzled past the post.
Against the run of play, City took the lead through slightly controversial circumstances for the host. Joe Williams dispossessed Swansea skipper Matty Grimes and that allowed substitute Sam Bell to play in Mark Sykes who poked a shot underneath Andy Fisher with the visitors first shot on target.
Swansea undone all of City’s resolute defending with a simple goal for their equaliser 15 minutes from time. Substitute Cooper was on the pitch for a matter of seconds before turning home at the back stick on the left hand side.
Neither side could be separated and for the third time the score was a goal apiece in the three meetings this season. Swansea in extra-time dominated but for an outrageous O’Leary save, Liam Manning could have been celebrating with a powerfully-hit half volley. The ever-trying Antoine Semenyo nearly restored City’s lead as his whipped ball flashed past the post.
Eight minutes from time, Bristol City took the lead in a moment that Bell would have dreamed of. The son of City legend Micky Bell danced past the Sansea defence and curled home to send the away end into ecstascy. It was no more than City deserved after controlling the second-half of extra time.
9. Mark Sykes - 7
Superb composure for his goal. He’s enjoying this role on the right wing. He could flourish in this new system. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
10. Nahki Wells - 6
A quiet night for Wells who came off just before the hour. City hadn’t got a shot off at all the first-half with Wells not receiving service. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
11. Antoine Semenyo - 7
A real live wire at times, Semenyo had a few good runs in the first period but only the one chance in the second. Unlucky not to at least get an assist in extra-time. One of City’s best performers. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
12. Joe Williams - 6
Came on for Scott and made an impact by tackling Matt Grimes and playing in Sam Bell. A good time to make a sub and resting Scott. Dealt a difficult task with Swansea’s dominance. Involved at the start of Bell’s goal too. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Isitene/Getty Images