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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City U21 player ratings vs Watford: Ben Acey and Palmer-Houlden impress in easy win

Mac Boyd - 7

Had little to do in the first half but was called upon when he denied Damani Munter with his legs on the angle. Enjoyed a quiet second half but did show authority by coming out to command his area when Watford got the ball into the box.

George Tanner - 7

Started with the U21s as he currently serves the second of this three-match ban with the seniors and looked more than comfortable on the right side of the defensive three. Was able to make a couple of surging runs forward and was confident in playing through the Watford midfield with a pass that contributed to City's second.

Jamie Knight-Lebel - 7

Watford's forwards could barely lay a glove on him as he wore the captain's armband in the middle of the three. Had an opportunity from a corner at the back post which he couldn't direct on target. Kept things simple.

Raph Araoye - 7

Played on the left of the defensive three and was rarely tested against a side that gave City very few problems from a defensive view. Smart with the ball at his feet, comfortable in possession and dominant in the air against Watford's tall forward Jack Grieves.

Zac Bell - 8

Was heavily involved down the right side having started at wing-back. His powerful cross contributed to City's third when Ryan Andrews' clearance came back off Palmer-Holden. Was allowed to get forward at will and his strike was parried in the air for Prince Henry to score City's fourth. One or two wayward passes when looking forward but a dominant showing.

Harry Leeson (off 65, Meerholz) - 7

Started as a left wing-back with Bell on the other flank and stayed high up the pitch. Naturally right-footed so was forced to cut back to get in a delivery which sometimes slowed down City's attack. His delivery is a real weapon but most of the attacks come down the other side. Defensively assured.

Han-Noah Massengo (off 65, Anderson) - 7

Sat as the deepest of the midfield trio and was able to dictate play and get City moving forward. Gulf in class against Watford's young side was evident and was given the freedom to venture forward without being pressured. Almost assisted Palmer-Holden with an unselfish pass in the area. Quieter second half before his substitution.

Omar Taylor-Clarke (off 45, Prince Henry) - 6

Didn't have the same influence he showed in the victory over Charlton last week but still enjoyed a relatively comfortable first 45 minutes without coming under much pressure on the ball. Maintained possession well and kept the ball moving. Came off at half-time.

Ben Acey - 8

Played behind the front pairing in the No10 role and showed glimpses of his quick feet in tight areas. Was able to manoeuvre the ball under pressure and was rewarded with his first-half performance with a goal from close range. Dropped deeper in the second half and got himself stuck into challenges. Looked confident enough to take on his man and break forward.

Sam Pearson (off 65, Thomas) - 7

Could have opened the scoring after 15 minutes when denied by the keeper in a one-on-one situation. Made up for it 15 minutes later with an emphatic strike under the crossbar to give the hosts the lead. Lively in the area with some darting runs in and around the area. It was his corner that was headed in by his strike partner for City's fifth.

Seb Palmer-Houlden - 8

Was deployed to drop deeper and be the link-up between the midfield and attack. It helped open the scoring when he collected the ball from deep, turned and found the run of Pearson to his right. Scored the third when a clearance cannoned off his back before heading in City's fifth from a corner. Watford couldn't deal with his height but his movement also caused plenty of trouble.

Substitutes

Prince Henry (on 45, Taylor-Clarke) - 7

Scored with his first touch from close range after Bell's strike was parried into his path. His pace and energy made life uncomfortable for the Watford defence.

Ollie Thomas (on 65, Pearson) - 6

Made a couple of progressive runs forward and used his strength to keep hold of the ball.

Taine Anderson (on 65, Massengo) - 6

Slotted in midfield and ensured City kept hold of the ball with the game already completely out of sight. Didn't give his opponents much time on the ball.

Jed Meerholz (on 65, Leeson) - 6

Introduced at left wing-back and didn't have an awful lot to contend with. Played deeper than Leeson as the game became a training ground exercise in the final 20 minutes.

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