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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Bristol City verdict: One more off the conveyor belt, the Tanner dilemma and guess who's back?

It was far from pretty but nonetheless, Bristol City got the job done as they moved one step closer to a date with Wembley.

Okay, we might be jumping the gun a little but three wins on the spin and a home tie against Lincoln in the next round means the Robins have an intriguing cup run on their hands.

Nigel Pearson has often reiterated the need for his team to win ugly and they did that last night as Gareth Ainsworth's side were eager to ruffle a few feathers and give City a physical battle.

It almost worked but the introduction of Alex Scott, in particular, injected the quality needed to help City progress on a glorious sunny evening at Adams Park. The travelling fans played their role in the contest, joined by Andi Weimann and Joe Williams who took their seats among the City faithful to cheer their side over the line.

Here's the talking points from the victory as attentions now turn to Blackpool...

Kadji comes off the conveyor belt

Not a bad way to introduce yourself. It took just seven minutes for the 18-year-old midfielder to make an impact on his debut when he fired in from close range to hand City the lead.

Take nothing away from the finish. Kane Wilson managed to get himself on the end of Kal Naismith's terrific cross and it landed into the path of Kadji who instinctively flicked the ball into the top corner before wheeling himself to the corner flag to celebrate.

The midfielder has been pushing for his opportunity, it was also a matter of when and not if he would get his chance with the senior side. Kadji was training with the first-team over pre-season including heading on their training camp of Austria before featuring in the final match before the new season against Bournemouth.

His goal was excellent but he started the game really positively. He won the ball back in dangerous areas and used his gangly frame to make a nuisance for himself, particularly from a defensive perspective.

He admitted himself that the contest was a lot more physical than in comparison to the Under-23s where he helped guide them to the Professional Development League final last season. Kadji can only take inspiration from those who have come before him.

It was Alex Scott last season and now Tommy Conway looks to be the breakout figure this coming campaign and that will only provide Kadji with an extra motivation knowing Pearson is willing to hand his youngsters the opportunity if they deserve it.

It must be emphasised there is no pressure on Kadji this season but he has all the attributes to become a top midfielder if he continues developing. There were times when he looked raw and that's understandable. There were a few misplaced passes and physically he was handed a wake-up call but City can rest assured they have another bright talent on their books.

The George Tanner conundrum

There was a moment during an interview with Pearson at the beginning of the season where he said the lack of squad depth in City's squad may hamper the progress of one or two youngsters.

That's because he can't afford to send them out on loan at the risk of any injuries and you can't help but think Tanner fits into that category. The 22-year-old was handed his first start of the season, after picking up 19 minutes against Coventry in the first round, but featured on the right of the back three.

Naturally, a right-back or right wing-back, his position last night can be considered unfamiliar so there was an intrigue to see how he would fare alongside the experienced Timm Klose marshalling the back line.

For the majority of the contest, he was defensively sound. There was a moment in the first half when Wycombe striker Ali Al-Hamadi beat him to the byline and got his cross away in a rare glimpse of danger for the hosts.

George Tanner in action against Wycombe (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

There were question marks over his defending for Wycombe's equaliser when he failed to stop the delivery that was headed in from close range but he almost immediately made amends when he made a superb run and delivery before Chris Martin's header was saved by the goalkeeper's legs.

Now to the conundrum. His opportunity to play in that wing-back position is seemingly few and far between. He's behind Mark Sykes, Kane Wilson and perhaps Alex Scott in the pecking order and at his age, he needs to be playing.

With City's lack of options in the centre of defence, there's the understanding why Pearson is keen to keep him around as cover. So unless a new player comes through the door, providing Tanner with the potential option to head out on loan, the youngster is likely to be spending the majority of his season on the bench.

Antoine's back

Pearson had been keeping his cards relatively close to his chest when it came to Antoine Semenyo's comeback. Although there was a huge clue on Tuesday when the latest Robins Uncut video showed the star striker taking part in full training with the rest of the squad.

So when the team was announced one hour before kick-off it didn't come as a huge surprise but more of a relief to see the player back in contention following his injury lay-off.

Whether it was always the plan to give him minutes only Pearson knows, but Semenyo was introduced to the contest for Chris Martin in the 70th minute with the game seemingly heading to penalties.

His introduction provided the threat in attack City needed as Tommy Conway switched to the right and Semenyo stuck to the left. There's no denying he was rusty which is completely understandable following the shin problem he picked up on international duty.

Antoine Semenyo scored on his return to the side (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

Not long after coming on, he tried to take on his man but kicked the ball out of play. After that, he tried to cross the ball with his left foot but hit it wildly over his target and out for a throw on the opposite side.

Even so, there was still that threat that he carried when he had the ball at his feet or was running at his defender. There was a moment towards the end of the contest when he was holding the ball up by the corner flag, winning throw-ins and eventually a corner to wind down the clock much to the delight of the City supporters seated just yards away.

His goal only summed up City's night when Conway took advantage of the defender's error to run through on goal and selflessly square the ball across goal where he was left with the easiest of finishes to settle the contest.

It's unlikely he'll start against Blackpool at the weekend and Pearson will look to build up his match minutes before unleashing him from the off but his return to the squad will only add to City's options in attack.

With Conway and Wells in form with the ability of Andi Weimann in behind, Semenyo is just another string to City's attacking bow.

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