‘In for a big season’, ‘Eye for a pass’ - Bristol City player ratings against Swindon Town

Bristol City won 2-1 against Swindon Town in the first of two hour-long matches at the High Performance Centre.

Sam Bell scored a goal in either half to give a strong Robins XI the win, and was involved in a lot of their attacks. Alex Scott delivered a good performance too amid speculation of two transfer bids from AFC Bournemouth and Wolves.

Tale of the match

Swindon started on the front foot and settled quickly out of the two, but the hosts had the first test. A high line saw Dickie get the ball to Sam Bell, and his cross was headed over by Nahki Wells from a few yards out with Harry Cornick disappointed the ball wasn’t left for him.

Chances continued to come for City, and Alex Scott found space outside the box and drove a low shot at Murphy Mahoney who palmed it behind. The 19-year-old - subject of much transfer speculation - drew another save from Mahoney who tipped his curling shot destined for the top right-hand corner over the bar.

The home team piled on the pressure and eventually they were able to break Swindon’s rearguard. Nahki Wells pass cut through the Swindon defence and Bell hit a low firm effort after utilising his place on the left-hand flank.

Swindon got themselves back on level terms after Jason Knight was dispossessed. Hepburn-Murphy prodded home after behind found by Charlie Austin with Matty James unable to block the shot in time.

Scott was involved in everything City going forward, and was taking the corner-kicks. He delivered in a good ball to Wells who flashed wide a header, much to his frustration. For a brief moment, hearts were in mouths when there was a rough challenge on hm, but he gingerly got himself back up and continued.

As the first-half neared a close and the game became flat, City should have restored their lead but for the post. Cornick crossed in for Bell, but his diving header hit the post and bounced out away from him.

In the restart, Swindon had a good chance to equalise, but Dicke flung himself in the way of the shot to deny a good goal scoring opportunity. Up the other end, City broke in to the final third, but Scott scuffed his studs when he tried a swept shot. He missed another opportunity as his header skimmed off the crossbar from Knight’s cross.

A few minutes out from the raft of changes with complete XI chances, Bristol City took the lead again. Knight played in Bell on the left flank and he drove a low shot that Mahoney couldn’t reach.

Scott was influential in the game, but he couldn’t top it off with a goal. He was on the receiving end of a few rough challenges, and to his frustration, he hit the crossbar with a powerful shot, and that was the end of the first game.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary - 6

O’Leary wasn’t really forced into much action, other than picking the ball out fo the net. He did show that he wasn’t afraid to come out of his goal though, and tried to get involved in play.

George Tanner - 7

In the first-half, Swindon found some joy down the flanks, but Tanner

Zak Vyner - 6

No real errors or that from Vyner, but it was Dickie who did more in front of the cameras.

Rob Dickie - 7

Encountered a difficult start to the match and Hepburn-Murphy had the beating of him a few times. He picked himself up, and looked like he was keen to impress

Haydon Roberts - 7

Roberts showed he had some good ideas and burst down the flanks a few times. He could build up a good partnership with Bell.

Matty James - 7

A player that tends to go under the radar. James didn’t do anything majorly of note, but his presence probably allowed Knight and Scott to play their game.

Jason Knight - 7

Perhaps guilty of overplaying a bit much to start off, but picked himself up. He was dogged in his tackles, and conceded possession for Swindon’s goal. He did have a good eye for a pass, and set up Bell for his second.

Alex Scott - 8

Played like he was unaffected by the transfer speculation. He had a few shots from outside the box, and hopefully that means he’s been encouraged to shoot more, as he needs to add goals to his game.

Harry Cornick - 7

A few bits here and there from Cornick, and he did look like he was making an effort, but no real chances or assists of note.

Nahki Wells - 7

Brilliant assist for Bell’s goal, but perhaps should have got his header on target. He didn’t get many more chances after that.

Sam Bell - 9

Took his first goal well, and showed why left-wing is his best position. He could have scored with his header, and got his other attackers involved. Got his second goal with a lovely finish. He could be in for a big season.