Bristol City player ratings: ‘Unplayable’ 9/10 steals the show as defender struggles in Rotherham thriller

Bristol City netted a dramatic late winner as super-sub Tommy Conway netted a brace in their 2-1 win over Championship strugglers Rotherham United at the New York Stadium.

An underwhelming first half saw neither side register a shot on target, as City struggled to impose themselves on the match in an attacking sense.

The second half continued in a similar fashion until substitute Conway fired a brilliant bending effort into the bottom corner of Viktor Johansson’s goal.

The Scot’s strike looked set to be the winner, but five minutes from full time, Tyler Blackett latched onto the end of Arvin Appiah’s low cross to force the ball past Max O’Leary.

Deep into stoppage time, the result appeared set, but Conway had other ideas. Andy King curled a cross into the area, where the striker was on hand to flick delicately into the bottom corner to cap off a dramatic second half.

Here’s how the Robins fared...

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 6

Had very little to do in general but was positive when coming for corners and crosses. Was reliable with the ball at his feet but had a couple of nervy moments.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 5

Was beaten early on by Onyedinma out wide and struggled to cope with the winger’s pace at times. Couldn’t make an impact in an attacking sense but improved in the second period.

Rob Dickie – 7

Made a brilliant last-ditch header to divert Dexter Lembikisa’s cross away from Fred Onyedinma and out for a corner and was aggressive up against Jordan Hugill. One of City’s better performers.

Kal Naismith – 7

Made an outstanding challenge to deny Hugill from prodding home the opener with the goal and looked relatively assured at the back. Was wasteful in possession at times but his deliveries were always a threat.

Cam Pring – 6

Did well to put off Andre Green at the back post following good work from Cohen Bramall. Was beaten in the air by Hugill minutes later but fortunately Green made a mess of what looked like a certain goal. Didn’t manage to impose himself on the game going forward.

Matty James – 6

Kept the ball moving and picked out some smart passes but struggled to dictate the play for any significant amount of time in the middle.

Joe Williams – 6

Had a couple of sloppy moments early on when he fouled Oliver Rathbone on the edge of the area and gifted Green the opportunity to progress and shoot at goal. Improved in the second half as City looked to get on top.

Jason Knight – 6

Busy as usual and eager to get after the opposition but lost the ball too frequently. Struggled to link up with the front three but not for the lack of trying. Just not his night.

Mark Sykes – 6

Was a threat with his turn of foot but was left frustrated at times when the ball didn’t come to him as quickly as he would’ve liked. Could’ve helped out Gardner-Hickman more when Bramall and Onyedinma doubled up on the full-back.

Harry Cornick – 6

Worked hard up top but was left a lonely figure. Was forced to drop deep and link the play to good effect at times but would’ve wanted to have been involved much nearer the Millers’ goal.

Sam Bell – 7

Looked dangerous when given space and should’ve had a penalty when Lembikisa dragged him down following Cornick’s long throw-in. A positive display in what was a match lacking any fluency.

Andi Weimann (subbed on for Sykes, 66’) – 6

Injected some pace into City’s approach and came close to scoring twice late on.

Nahki Wells (subbed on for Cornick, 66’) – 6

Couldn’t get into the game up top or link the play between the wide men.

Tommy Conway (subbed on for Knight, 79’) – 9

Squared up Tyler Blackett and fizzed a low curling effort into the bottom corner for the opening goal of the game, before improvising to flick past Johansson for the late winning goal.

Made an instant impact off the bench and provided the spark that City were craving, was unplayable on the night.

Andy King (subbed on for Williams, 79’) – 7

Came on at 1-0 to sure things up but ended up assisting Conway for his 96th-minute winner with a good cross.

Haydon Roberts (subbed on for Bell, 85’) – N/A