“Selection headache” “Lively” - Bristol City player ratings in Oxford United win

Bristol City remain unbeaten in their 2023/24 pre-season preparations after a mixed beating Oxford United 4-1 at the High Performance Centre.

Tommy Conway got two goals in either half whilst Andi Weimann and summer signing Jason Knight also got on the scoresheet.

The test against Oxford was more productive than their 8-1 win against Newport County, and allowed the younger Robins players to get a chance to taste men’s football.

Oxford already offered more than Newport did with ex-Bristol Rovers man Billy Bodin causing problems with his cross.

The hosts bided their time but opened the scoring in fine fashion. Summer signing Haydon Roberts was able to pick out Conway for a first time side-foot volley.

You’re most vulnerable when you’ve first scored and that was the story for Bristol City who immediately conceded an equaliser. O’Donkor got past Dickie and curled home his effort past Max O’Leary.

Oxford played themselves into trouble but Conway after taking the ball down well, could only force Simon Eastwood in a good save after Jason Knight forced the defence into a mistake.

Bristol City got themselves back on level terms as Anis Mehmeti put a low ball in to the feet of Weimann who scored with a first-time finish.

Oxford offered a good test for Bristol City’s attack with their two trialists defending well by stopping Mark Sykes from turning in a heeled effort from Conway’s low cross.

As the first-half drew to a close, Matty James went near to making it 3-1. He was picked out well by Jason Knight and his powerful volley went the wrong side of the post.

Early in the second-half, Knight doubled his account in pre-season. He picked off possession from the Oxford defender, took a few touches and then struck low past Eastwood.

Conway’s second shortly came after with Roberts linking up with him again. A good passing sequence was finished off when Roberts played an outside of the foot through ball to Conway and the Scotland Under-21 international took his chance well.

A series of substitutions from both sides saw the pace of the game slow down but despite some threat from Oxford down the flanks, both Haydon Roberts and George Tanner did their jobs, as well as their central defenders, seeing out the three-goal margin of victory.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary (subbed on, 46) - 6

Didn’t have to do much other than pick the ball out of the net. No real saves of note.

George Tanner - 7

Most of City’s attacks came from the left but Tanner did well when Oxford attacked down his flank through Wildschut.

Jamie Knight-Lebel (subbed off, Campbell-Slowey, 72) - 7

Lived up to the praise he’s got so far as one of the clubs best academy products yet to make a breakthrough. Didn’t look out of place.

Rob Dickie - 6

A bit too weak in the challenge and allowed O’Donkor to score.

Haydon Roberts - 8

Two assists for the summer signing. A brilliant cross for Conway’s first, and then a nice through ball for his second.

Matty James - 7

Did a decent job as the holding midfielder and got forward a few times.

Jason Knight - 8

A solid showing from Knight, who pressed well. Do Bristol City have a goalscoring midfielder in their midst?

Andi Weimann (subbed off, 72) - 7

Took his first-time finish well from Mehmeti’s cross.

Mark Sykes - 7

Had a few good moments throughout the match.

Anis Mehmeti - 8

Lively in the first-half. He got a nice assist for Weimann’s goal and showed good thinking for his assist.

Tommy Conway (subbed on, 82) - 9

Nigel Pearson’s got a selection headache because all his strikers are on form right now.

Stefan Bajic (subbed on, 46) - 6

Didn’t need to do much given Bristol City’s defence defended well. Good punch from corner kicks.

Josh Campbell-Slowey (subbed on, 72) - N/A

Jed Meerholz (subbed on, 72)

Marlee Campbell-Francois (subbed on, 82)