Bristol City 2 Port Vale 1

Port Vale forced City to come from behind again today, as Steve Brooker and Super Scott Murray scored to gain all three points from a tense encounter. The wet and windy conditions helped neither side, as the Ashton Gate pitch began to suffer not only from the recent rugby game, but the torrential downfall before and during the game.

City started out with the predicted changes from Gary Johnson. Cole Skuse was rested restoring Jennison Myrie – Williams to the left of midfield. There were no further changes.

The first half started quite tentatively from both sides as both City and Port Vale struggled to cope with the waterlogged pitch. Vale keeper Mark Goodlad was the first victim of the troublesome pitch, slipping awkwardly and seriously injuring his leg, forcing him to be replaced by Joe Anyon. The first chance fell to Akpo Sodje, who managed to get between Bradley Orr and Jamie McCombe to head just over the bar from a right wing cross. Shortly after, a poor kick from Basso was diverted straight to Geoff Smith who fired wide.

City began to create more chances as the half wore on with a Brooker header hitting the post from a McAllister header. Then minutes later Showumni wrestled the ball off Macgregor to produce a perfect cross for the unmarked Brooker, who`s header went agonisingly wide when he should have easily finished it. Anyon then saved well from Lee Johnson and Myrie Williams as City finished the game on top.

The second half started much the same. Brooker was seemingly tripped in the box, but despite remonstrations from players and fans alike, the referee waved the appeals away. Minutes later, Vale won a dubious free kick, after Robin Hulbert was tripped. Jeff Smith stood up to curl the ball perfectly past the stranded Basso, who didn`t even move.

This lead lasted merely 60 seconds, when McAllister drilled a left wing free kick to the chest of Brooker. After pulling the ball down sharply, he slammed an unstoppable left foot drive past Anyon to make it 1-1. City pressurised Vale more and more, which paid off in the 76th minute. Brooker found space on the right, his pass found the impressive Murray who slammed and unstoppable drive into the Vale net. Port Vale rallied late on but City managed to hold on for the three points.

Verdict
Today heralded a much more positive performance from Bristol City. Murray, in outstanding form, really stood out with his pace, passing and impressive crosses. There was a welcome return to form for Steve Brooker as well, as he pushed Murray close for the man of the match award. Let`s hope the goal is a timely boost to his confidence.

I`ll try not to be negative, but more constructive in criticism. While Myrie Williams tried his melt out on the left, a left winger is priority for the January window. This issue will not go away, and a promotion push will need to be sustained with a balanced squad.

Happy new year to you all!