Lilywhites Lose Out When Trundle's About
Play Off Hopes Are Back On Track As City Get Their Passing Back
Bristol City 3 v 0 PNE - Match review & ratings
By Bristol Boy
It was the game after one we lost. The one where we got our game back together. Could we keep it? Would the pressure get to us against opponents who were relaxed?
The good news is that we looked the part for the second game running, the whoosh football that had plagued us in recent months found it’s rightful place in the bin - or Watford as it’s better known - as players like Carle, Noble, Trundle & McIndoe revelled in the possession and space on offer that good movement on & off the ball created.
A resurgent Marvin Elliott looked back to his best as he broke up play and supplied the ammunition that has been lacking. A typical dinked set piece into the front of the box saw McCombe cause panic and Trundle benefit for a tap in.
Clever interplay between what seemed like the entire team ended with a neat one-two between Trundle & the scorer McIndoe, who put the game beyond doubt.
The one or two scares that seem compulsory in the CCC came & went and the win was sealed when born again David Noble placed a delicious right foot curler into the top left hand corner of Lonergan’s net with the keeper rooted to his goaline.
Confidence oozed from every player and even three substitutions didn’t entirely stop the flow with Basso almost a spectator.
Had you asked me about our fate in the play-offs two weeks ago, I’d have given you a short & terse answer, albeit an honest one. The last two games have changed that perception.
As predicted, we have Palace with a tricky away leg first (not my preference). If we can get past that on level terms I fancy us to win through, but it’ll be tight. Lose the first leg by more than one goal and I fear that’ll be that.
In the same way, if Watford, strangely, can avoid defeat at Vicarage Road against Hull, then I’ll back them to defeat the Tigers and make the final.
If we make the final with our first choice sixteen available, then I reckon we’ve still got a great chance. The first leg will be about commitment & imposing our game against muscular, pacey & organised opponents. Unlike our last visit to Selhurst Park, we will have to compete with them physically and mentally. Do that and our chances are real - fail to do it, and the second leg at Ashton Gate will be a formality.
The play-offs are a lottery... a cliché, but true. The referee’s decisions at key times, a moment of stupidity or brilliance… all grist to the mill in a division that you can’t take your eyes off for a minute.
Without doubt the next three games could be called the biggest in the history of Bristol City. They are certainly games that put City on the cusp of a £60m fortune. Not the time for feint hearts or bottlers and the value of attitude cannot be overstated, however, not at the expense of a game-plan, quality or skill.
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City
lined up 4-4-2:
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Basso |
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Orr |
Carey |
McCombe |
McAllister |
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Noble |
Elliott |
Carle |
McIndoe |
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Trundle |
Adebola |
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Subs (used)
SHOWUNMI
JOHNSON
SPROULE
Not used:
Weale
Fontaine
TEAM RATINGS
Passing: 8/10
Set Pieces: 7/10
Creativity: 7/10
Commitment: 8/10
Entertainment Value: 8/10
Defending: 7/10
Attacking: 7/10
PLAYER RATINGS
BASSO: 7/10 Well protected by a defence that conceded few opportunities. One comedy first half moment but recovered well.
ORR: 8/10:Defended well and used the ball well with better surges forward.
CAREY: 8/10 Looked back to his old self with some surges forward and strong tackles.
MCCOMBE: 8/10 Played a full part in keeping a clean sheet against a team well lead by the powerful Mellor.
MCALLISTER: 8/10 Much improved distribution and kept the balance of the team in combination with McIndoe and a powerful midfield.
CARLE: 8/10 Ran the midfield after a slow start and combined well with Elliott & Noble. Due a first goal and a major assist.
ELLIOTT: 8/10 Looked strong & fit. Broke up play and harried and hassled all afternoon. I hope that knock he took at the end won’t be a problem
NOBLE: 8/10 Cracking set piece strike, our first direct strike of the season (take note GJ, LJ & MM!!) & looks fit & back to his creative & ball retaining best. Supported Orr well in defence in what isn’t his most natural role but one where he adds great value.
MCINDOE: 8/10 Added a goal and real purpose to the running, workrate & movement that’s always there.
ADEBOLA: 5/10 Struggled to impose himself on the game.
TRUNDLE: 8/10 Candidate for MOM with a goal, two assists and one cleared off the line by Matty Hill, who I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with after the game. Not changed a bit and a proper, nice, Bristol kid. Back to LT and this was another improved performance and when he combines the skill with tenacity & purpose, he’s a dangerous opponent.
SUBS:
SPROULE: 4/10 Cameo and fairly anonymous
SHOWUNMI: 5/10 Worked hard, but didn’t fare any better than Adebola
JOHNSON: 6/10 Looked rusty, but at least mobile and moving well enough.
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