Bristol City recorded their first win of the calendar year as a Mark Sykes brace helped them ease to a 4-2 win over Birmingham City at Ashton Gate. The result see’s the Robins move into 17th, while Mark Eustace’s side drop to 18th after four consecutive defeats.
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring as he turned touched home from close range from Cam Pring’s cross. Nahki Wells then struck a quick-fire second in the first half, beating Kevin Long off the ball to then strike home with a composed effort. Troy Deeney pulled a goal back before the break after Cam Pring had conceded a penalty with the Blues captain thumping his penalty past Max O’Leary.
Mark Sykes bagged his first of the afternoon two minutes into the second period, but he also added a fourth for the Robins later in the half. Pring showed good work to dribble past numerous defenders, before setting up Sykes for an easy finish.
Summer transfer target Reda Khadra netted calmly with 15 minutes to play in his first appearance for the Midlands club but the Blues could make no further inroads.
Wells now has nine goals for the season for City, meanwhile Sykes opened his account for the club after being deployed as a right winger in a change in formation from Nigel Pearson.
Until Saturday’s win against Birmingham, City had not won a home match since mid-October. The win for relieves the pressure off of Pearson, with an FA Cup match away at Swansea City next up for the Robins.
1. Max O’Leary - 7
Made an early stop to deny Graham from long range and had little chance with either goal. Showed good footwork with the ball in some tricky moments and was commanding with lofted balls. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
2. George Tanner - 7
Struggled at times defensively but always used the ball efficiently. Linked up with Sykes well. Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
3. Zak Vyner - 8
Solid as ever and hardly put a foot wrong at the back. Aggressive in the tackle. Photo: Dan Isitene/Getty Images
4. Rob Atkinson - 7
Looked vulnerable to the ball in behind at times, but made some important clearances. Photo: Dan Isitene/Getty Images