Bristol City U23s slipped to a 3-1 defeat as they opened their Professional Development League 2 campaign against Nottingham Forest at Ashton Gate, but there are reasons to be positive.
Although Forest had the edge throughout, the young Robins did take the lead before they were immediately pegged back.
However, a controversial winner after a clear foul in the build-up knocked the stuffing out of the City side on the hour mark, before Tyrese Fornah belted the game out of their reach from 35-yards.
Despite the result, there were three Bristol City young guns who stood out in the rain at Ashton Gate.
Aden Baldwin - centre-back
The captain had a good game and made some key interventions despite his side conceding three goals.
His best moment came after half an hour when Forest striker Will Swan was bearing down on goal.
Baldwin made a perfectly times sliding intervention to block Swan's close range shot and send the ball out for a corner.
There was not much he could have done for any of the goals although he was fouled for the second.
Tyreeq Bakinson - centre-midfield
Bakinson faced a very tough task in midfield against quality opposition in Jake Taylor and Tyrese Fornah in particular.
However, he held his own in the middle of the park, showing calmness on the ball, strength and good passing ability.
His tackling was also impressive.
Taylor and Fornah perhaps demonstrated the levels Bakinson should be aspiring to as he continues his development.
Ricardo Rees - striker
Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, Rees was a threat whenever he managed to pick up the ball in the final third.
He was direct and showed nimble footwork on a number of occasions, running at his man looking to gain a yard.
There are a couple of occasions where he could have perhaps done better in the penalty area, but that goalscoring nous will come with experience.
