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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City player ratings: Bentley and Williams superb as Bell enjoys promising performance

Dan Bentley - 9

Looks a lot more reassuring when those crosses come into the box. Made an important save to deny Tavernier at the beginning of the second half and an even better one to prevent Balogun from equalising. Looks a lot more authoritative in goal and was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet. A Man of the Match performance. Welcome back, Bentley.

Sam Bell - 7

Understandably had a nervy start playing in a right-back role and gave the ball away on two occasions early on but could see his confidence growing as the game went on. Produced a brilliant cross in the second half which Weimann couldn't head home. Off just after the hour mark but a very promising showing.

Tomas Kalas - 8

A warrior-like performance from the centre-back today on the back of a couple of games where his form was called into question. Made a superb block with his head on the hour mark and threw his body on the line. Looked more assured today in a back four than he has done previously in a three.

Timm Klose - 8

Yet another commanding performance by the towering defender who didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon. Slight penalty scare in the second half but the referee waved it away. His experience and calmness is priceless, especially in those dying minutes.

Jay Dasilva - 6

Was handed trouble down the left side with the attacking presence of Isaiah Jones - let the full-back overlap him on a couple of occasions. Probably City's weakest player on the day but came up against some impressive opponents. Moved over to the right after Pring's introduction.

Han-Noah Massengo - 7

Was very lucky when Aaron Connolly failed to capitalise on his poor backpass to Dan Bentley in the first half. Had a quiet day by his usual energetic standards but looked to be playing in a more disciplined role, especially in the second half. Looked more lively as the opponent tired.

Joe Williams - 9

Nigel Pearson was questioning the desire of some of his players in the build-up to this game but there are no question marks over Williams. Made a superb block on the stroke of half-time and celebrated it like a goal. Tenacious in the tackle and a real thorn in Boro's side before he was subbed off on 80 minutes.

Alex Scott - 8

Another typical dogged Scott performance with glimpses of class and the odd bit of inexperience. His footwork to beat a man is incredible for his age, highlighting his talent when he skips past players. Was wasteful with a number of his deliveries - particularly one in the first half which left Pearson far from pleased.

Andi Weimann - 8

Opened the scoring with a brilliant first-time finish after Antoine Semenyo teed him up just inside the area. The strike of a man full of confidence to bag his 16th of the season. Was involved in the build-up to the second and barely gave his opponents a second on the ball.

Antoine Semenyo - 8

Superb work by the striker to hold off his opponent before picking out Weimann with a perfect pass for the opener. Had a quiet day by his high standards until he burst into life with a real moment of quality to double City's advantage. He took the ball on his chest, let it bounce and fired it with his left foot into the corner.

Chris Martin - 7

Didn't get himself on the scoresheet but a real selfless performance by the big man. Won the headers from Bentley's long kicks upfield and defensively was crucial defending Boro's corners.

Substitutes

Cam Pring (on Bell, 65) - 7

First touch was a defensive header from a corner which set him up nicely for the remaining minutes. Had been criticised for lapses of concentration in recent weeks but no sign of that today.

Robbie Cundy (on Williams, 80) - N/A

Not used: Wiles-Richards, Conway, Benarous,

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