Bristol City v Cardiff City player ratings: ‘Nuisance, lost his way, quiet’

Bristol City's return to Professional Development League action was a losing one as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City at Leckwith Stadium. Vontae Daley-Campbell's chip just after the hour mark was the difference as the Robins fell to a Severnside Derby defeat to the Bluebirds.

Three substitutes from City's FA Cup draw with Swansea City featured; Joe Williams, Sam Bell and Mark Sykes. Andy King, Jay Dasilva, Dylan Kadji and Omar Taylor-Clarke, who were involved but didn't come off the bench also played, as well as summer signing Stefan Bajic.

Nigel Pearson and a large contingent of his coaching staff; Jason Euell, Pat Mountain and Curtis Fleming watched on, as a strong-team faced a Cardiff side with only one representative from their senior squad. Here is how the Robins players fared in their 1-0 defeat to Cardiff on Tuesday afternoon.

Stefan Bajic - 7

Bajic, when called upon, did what was needed and that was to save the shots that came against him, including two one-on-one with Dakari Mafico. He had already committed himself to coming out when Daley-Campbell chipped him for the goal.

Omar Taylor-Clarke - 6

Deployed as a wing-back, this was a game that Taylor-Clarke used to try and acclimatise to the position. He looked a threat going forward but as with any attack-minded player, they must defend. Cardiff had a few spells down his side.

Jay Dasilva - 7

Displaced by Cameron Pring and now with a point to prove with the manager watching on, he did well. He showed his defensive qualities by holding up Chanka Zimba well, before showing his obvious attacking attributes by supplying Bell with a good pass.

Dylan Kadji - 6

Moved into defence despite being a midfielder for the senior team. Zimba had the beating of a few of City’s youthful defenders, and there was a moment in which the two had a coming together.

Jamie Knight-Lebel - 7

The Canadian centre-back put his body in the way of several shots and showed commitment to the cause.

Andy King (subbed off for Ben Acey, 63) - 6

King continued his late development into a centre-back and in the first-half, Cardiff didn’t have many chances. The Wales international ushered a youthful back-line and organised them well.

Joe Williams - 7 (subbed off for Elijah Morrison, 63)

In a central midfield two of Massengo and Williams, it was Joe who had more of a say. Edwards, frustrating at times, played several balls through, but just couldn’t pull off that pass that could properly unlock the Cardiff defence.

Han-Noah Massengo - 6

Massengo started the game off well, and was quick with this thinking on several occasions. As the first-half went on though he lost his way and didn’t impose himself on the game for the remainder.

Seb Pamer-Holden - 6

Palmer-Holden struggled to start off, by losing his footing in good areas, as well as being dispossessed in good positions for the opposition. The forward picked himself up and ford a good save out of Benjamin.

Mark Sykes (subbed off for Harry Leeson, 63) - 5

A few flash points for Sykes, who had a few positive moments on the ball, but couldn’t get a shooting opportunity for himself. An otherwise quiet game for the Republic of Ireland international.

Sam Bell - 7

Bell put himself about a lot and was a nuisance for the Cardiff defence. The young striker was everywhere, first on the flank where he found most of his joy, as well as in the centre.

Ben Acey - 6

Back from Guernsey after a short-loan spell with his side. Acey came on, but didn’t have much of an impact.

Elijah Morrison - 6

Cardiff’s goal came down Morrison’s side with a side-splitting cast causing problems. Morriso recovered but Cardiff had some joy down his flank.

Harry Leeson - 6

Another substitute that came on after the senior players’ time was up. Leeson wasn’t tested too much by Cardiff.