‘Showed his talent, off the pace’ - Bristol City player ratings from Wigan draw

Bristol City extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches as they surrendered a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.

Rob Atkinson headed the Robins into a first-half advantage following a smart cross from new man Anis Mehmeti. Ashley Fletcher levelled for the Latics in the 65^th minute, after some below-par defending from City.

The Robins struck the woodwork twice through Alex Scott and Mehmeti as they chased a second goal, but Nigel Pearson’s side had to settle for a point.

The result sees City drop a place to 16th, while Wigan remain 22nd, and unbeaten under new boss Shaun Maloney.

Both sides made a competitive start to the match, as strugglers Wigan showed clear signs of improvement under their third manager of the season.

It was City who had the first effort on goal. Following some neat footwork from Scott, the teenager shifted the ball onto his left and let fly, but his 20-yard effort was always rising and flew inches over the bar.

The Latics began to up the pressure and get more crosses into the box, as the Robins looked a little vulnerable from dead ball situations.

As the first half went on it looked set to be goalless at the break. But a brilliant lofted cross to the back post from new signing Mehmeti found Atkinson, who attacked the ball to steer it into Ben Amos’ right-hand corner.

On the stroke of half time, the visitors came within centimetres of equalising. James McClean’s cross was half-cleared by Joe Williams, the ball fell kindly to Christ Tiehi, whose thunderous long-range effort clipped the top of the crossbar.

The game continued in a similar fashion in the second period, as both teams struggled to craft any real openings up until the hour mark.

With 25 minutes to play, the Latics equalised. A hopeful ball from Max Power evaded all the City defenders and fell to the feet of Fletcher to slot home from five yards out.

The response from Pearson’s side was positive. Williams’ lofted cross found Scott in the area, the teenager’s looping header beat Amos but crashed back into play off the woodwork.

Moments later, Mehmeti’s curling ball into the box had Amos scrambling again. The ball looked destined to ripple into the top left corner but bounced of the upright and out.

Both team’s pushed for a winner, but they were forced to settle for a point each.

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 6

Had nothing to do for much of the game, other than pick the ball out of his net. Looked unconvincing coming for crosses a couple of times early on but communicated well throughout. Had little chance with the goal from close range but made a good stop from Callum Lang in the second half.

George Tanner – 6

Dealt with James McClean well and made some good recovery challenges. Enjoyed more of the ball in the second half and used it well.

Zak Vyner – 7

Didn’t have much to do but was solid at the back and reliable on the ball, had to be patient at times with a lack of options in front of him.

Rob Atkinson – 7

Scored the opener with a strong header at the back post after he drifted into the box unmarked. He had little defensive work to do at times but was well-placed to clear from Charlie Hughes’ header at 0-0.

Cam Pring – 6

Caught out a couple of times but was tenacious as usual and won a couple of key headers. Wigan’s deep backline limited his opportunities to take players on one-against-one.

Alex Scott – 6

Looked very bright early on but faded out of the match somewhat. The opposition gave him little space to get on the ball and turn.

Matty James – 6

Was a little off the pace in the middle early on and couldn’t dictate the play as he would’ve liked, organised the midfield well and swept up loose balls.

Joe Williams – 8

Made some good challenges tracking back and was committed in the tackle as usual, tried to set the tone in midfield and was the Robins’ best player on the night. Got away with a poor clearance before the half when Tiehi’s shot flashed over.

Andi Weimann – 6

Had a quiet first half but looked dangerous when he had space to dribble into. Enjoyed more of the ball in the second period and linked up well with Tanner on a few occasions. Crafted some excellent openings but the final pass was off.

Harry Cornick – 6

Showed his pace in snatches and made some good runs off the ball, the new man battled up front but his first touch was a little off at times.

Tended to drift onto the right wing, where he often featured for ex-club Luton Town.

Anis Mehmeti – 8

Caught out the opposition defence for the opening goal with an early, well-measured dinked cross. Battled well and showed a few quality moments of quality, including when he skipped past Theo Aasgaard on the left and fizzed in a low cross. Grew into the game in the second half and showed his talent.

Was constantly in discussion with Pearson in the first half over positioning adjustments when in and out of possession.

Nahki Wells (subbed on for Cornick, 61’) – 6

Came on to try and offer something different up front.

Mark Sykes (subbed on for Weimann, 78’) – N/A

Sam Bell (subbed on for Scott, 78’) – N/A