Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City Under-21 player ratings: Idehen and Morrison excellent as defence comes out on top

Harvey Wiles-Richards - 8

Some confident goalkeeping early on, deceiving his opponent with a piece of skill. Made an important stop with his legs in the opening 45 minutes. Continued his mature showing in the second period, denying Marsh when United were down to 10 men.

Raekwan Nelson (off 55, Clark) - 7

Relatively unknown in the Under-21 set-up, Nelson started as a right wing-back and enjoyed a solid afternoon. Handed an early test defensively with United looking to exploit his side but Nelson grew wise to the danger, with the help of Bell down his side. Didn't offer much going forward.

Duncan Idehen - 8

Brilliant tackle on Hackford in the first half with the striker about to pull the trigger. Looked assured in the middle of the back three, barely looked as though he needed to break a sweat at times. A comfortable showing, dealing with everything that came at him.

Zac Bell - 8

A dominant showing on the right of the defensive three. Used his body frame really well against striker Hackford who had the physical advantage. Comfortable breaking forward with the ball.

Josh Campbell-Slowey - 8

Another player who hasn't featured much for the Under-21s. Played on the left of the defensive three and like his centre-back partners, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon. Took around 15 minutes to settle with United moving the ball well around the area but soon caught up to speed with the game. Strong and quick on the ground to prevent any passes through the defence.

Elijah Morrison - 8

Played at left wing-back and was a threat down, looking to play beyond the forwards and get into the area. Denied a penalty shout in the first half. Won the ball high up the field and constantly pressed his man, forcing him into errors.

Tommy Backwell (off 75, Churchley) - 6

Recovered from an early error when he gifted possession in a dangerous area. Tidy on the ball and looked to play further forward in the second half, forcing the keeper into a smart save from distance.

Josh Owers - 6

A relatively quiet afternoon for the midfielder who played as the deepest of the midfielders. An industrial performance marking Sydie Peck, providing a nuisance by breaking up play but couldn't spark City into life going forward when United were reduced to 10.

Ben Acey - 7

Deliveries and set-pieces a real weapon, one which flashed past the left post in the first half. Showed some glimpses in the No10 role, feeding the ball into the forwards and keeping the ball when marked tightly.

Seb Palmer-Houlden - 6

Missed a great chance to open the scoring in the first half, firing wide when through on goal. Energetic in closing down his defenders and making runs in behind, but chances during the game proved elusive and he missed the best of them. Quiet in the second half.

Olly Thomas - 6

Sheffield United found it really difficult to deal with his physicality and pace having been given free roam in attack. Held the ball up to bring others into play although sometimes loose in possession. Drifted out of the game in the second half.

Substitutes

Ewan Clark (on 55, Nelson) - 6

Didn't have a major influence on the game coming on at right wing-back. Positive going up against his opponent. Almost assisted Owers right at the end.

Kai Churchley (on 75, Backwell) - N/A

Subs not used: Duncan, Rose, Filer

SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.