Bristol City player ratings vs Ipswich Town: ‘Aggressive’ defensive duo score 8/10 as trio struggle

Bristol City suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to EFL Championship highflyers Ipswich Town at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening.

Nathan Broadhead’s bullet from the edge of the area gave the Tractor Boys an early lead, as Sam Morsy’s thunderbolt struck the post moments before the break.

City were more positive in the second period and went close through Tommy Conway and Rob Dickie, before Harry Cornick’s effort rolled painfully across the goal line before being cleared away.

The result sees Nigel Pearson’s side drop down 13th place, though they remain just two points off the play-off places.

Here’s how the Robins fared...

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 7

Made a number of excellent stops from Conor Chaplin, Massimo Luongo and Leif Davis, but will perhaps be disappointed that he didn’t prevent Broadhead’s effort from nestling in. Was certainly busy in the City net and kept the Robins in the match at times.

Mark Sykes – 7

Filled in again at right back and did a job, was caught out of position at times and his opportunities to get forward were limited, but he did deliver an excellent cross early on in the match that was wasted by Conway. Grew into the game.

Rob Dickie – 8

Made some key blocks and challenges and kept it simple when in possession. Was up against some nimble attackers who gave him little time but coped well and looked very assured.

Andy King – 7

Filled in smoothly again, also did a stellar job up against some tricky opponents and was assertive in the challenge.

Cam Pring – 8

Always aggressive and positive, didn’t manage to link up with Bell as much as usual but got about his defensive work very strongly. Dealt with Kayden Jackson well and was solid when moved into centre back.

Matty James – 7

Couldn’t get a hold of possession against an excellent midfield in the first period, and when he did, he was often frustrated with the lack of movement in front of him. Began to control proceedings more in the second half as City searched for an equaliser.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 7

Was positive in possession and almost scored a brilliant equaliser, gave the ball away needlessly a couple of times but a good display.

Jason Knight – 7

Ran all day long as always, but at times down blind alleys. Tried to make things happen and made some committed challenges but lost the ball on occasion when City could ill afford to keep giving it back. Pressed and pressed and though it wasn’t his best night, he set the tone in the second half in terms of presence, effort and spirit.

Andi Weimann – 6

Couldn’t get involved on the right wing. Did his defensive duties but didn’t offer a huge threat going forward.

Tommy Conway – 6

Squirmed a great chance to open the scoring when his header was directed straight at Hladky from eight yards out. Ran the channels but had little service on a frustrating night.

Sam Bell – 6

Looked sharp on the left and gave Davis a few problems early on. Wasn’t utilised as much as he would’ve liked and a good display from Brandon Williams nullified his threat.

Haydon Roberts (subbed on for King, 66’) – 7

Came on at left back as Pring slotted in alongside Dickie. Made a positive impact and delivered some dangerous crosses. Was replaced late on due to injury.

Harry Cornick (subbed on for Weimann, 69’) – 7

Came on to make an impact and came agonisingly close to drawing City level. His effort bounced off the post before hitting Hladky in the back and rolling painfully across the goal line before Williams cleared away.

Ephraim Yeboah (subbed on for Bell, 69’) – 7

Made a notable impact as usual, got the crowd on their feet and almost forced an equaliser.

Joseph James (subbed on for Roberts, 86’) – N/A

A good moment for the young defender to make his debut.