Bristol City’s Owers reception and Sunderland spillage - moments missed from Sunderland loss

Bristol City were defeated 3-2 by Sunderland on Saturday, in their first home match of the Championship season.

Andi Weimann and Chris Martin netted for the hosts, while an Ellis Simms brace and a Ross Stewart header earned the points for the Black Cats.

But, aside from the goals, here are a few things that fans who weren’t at the match would’ve missed.

A welcome reception for Gary Owers

Prior to the match City welcomed five club legends out onto the pitch, including Gary Owers, who represented the Robins from 1994-1998.

The 53-year-old featured 130 times for the West Country side, and netted nine goals from midfield.

He also spent eight years at the Robins’ opponents on the day, however, he still received a warm welcome from both sets of fans in a sold out Ashton Gate.

Owers spoke to the club’s media before the match, where he explained his new role as an ambassador for the Former Players Association.

Bentley’s Naismith embrace

Following Weimann’s equaliser on the 11 minute mark, while the Austrian wheeled away in celebration, a few fans may have noticed Dan Bentley’s reaction to the goal.

The captain rushed straight to centre back Kal Naismith to seemingly tell the no.4 to keep his head up after a shaky start to the match.

A few minutes prior to City’s equaliser, Naismith was dispossessed by Stewart, the ball then fell to Simms who opened the scoring from 25 yards out.

Naismith also had a tough afternoon last weekend, where he conceded a penalty on his competitive debut for the Robins in their 2-1 defeat to Hull City.

The Scottish defender is still settling into the side after his move from Luton Town last month, and Bentley’s consoling words may have played a part in Naismith’s generally improved performance for the remainder of the match.

Sunderland fans spillage

The visiting Sunderland fans were in full voice all match - particularly when their second and third goals went in.

And following the 289 mile trip down for many of them, who can blame them.

The advertising billboard was no match for one group of Black Cats supporters, who bundled over the obstacle seemingly in slow motion, before spilling onto the edge of the pitch in celebration.

Remembering Stoney Garnett

In the 76th minute, the stadium erupted in 60 seconds of applause for legendary City supporter Stoney Garnett, who sadly passed away last month.

Stoney was known for his larger than life personality and quick wit, and was often found in the Dolman Stand at home matches.

Another way that the fans showed their condolences on the day was by wearing red fedoras, which Stoney was often seen in on a matchday.