Forever Bristol City Podcast

Lincoln [H] ...the verdict - embarrassing

Ian & DaveP remain quite calm in discussing how City's cup exit was due to a performance that plumbed to new depths in terms of commitment and organisation. 

Boro [A] .... the verdict - Max’s heroics save City from a hiding.

We'd have taken a point if offered before the game and after City had called upon Max O'Leary to produce a stunning double save it was looking like it could be better than that as a fine breakaway goal saw Weimann end his goal drought after an unselfish pass from Conway.

Who would argue against the view that Conway, with 8 goals and 4 assists, is CIty's most saleable asset as Semenyo continues to fire blanks and Scott often flatters to deceive?

City had to rely on three more first class saves from Max before the break  and Boro hit the woodwork. It was no real surprise when they scored within 2 minutes of the restart to level the scores and from then on it looked like only one team would win but Boro didn't and that is perhaps testimony as to why they are in 20th position.

Sykes & JDS were dropped as Nigel, in his wisdom, sought to confuse Boro by playing Semenyo & Weimann as wing backs. Zak was a pale shadow of the player who has confounded the critics in recent weeks whilst Scott, Williams & James let veteran Howson run the midfield.

2 wins in 12 IS relegation form and a cup win against Lincoln & 3 points against Watford are a pair of results that look optimistic to say the least.

Ian, Lezz & DaveP chew over the game & more

 

 

 

SHEFF. UTD. [H] ... the verdict : Sheffield Steal Spoils

DaveP hosts Neil, Ian & Mark in discussing how City played well again but again failed to be rewarded for their efforts.

Another sloppy goal conceded, a misfiring forward line but the woodwork hit twice and Alex Scott perhaps back to his best.

Disgraceful performance from ref in 2nd half and shithousery from Sheffield of the highest order which, as Ian puts it is game management when we do it!

We remain a work in progress but should we be looking over our shoulders at the chasing pack whilst still believing a play off place is still there for the taking.

We look forward to the 3 games before the World Cup break and, assuming everyone is fit in December how should Kal Naismith be accommodated as "reliable defender" he is not 

Swansea [H] ... the verdict - City deserving of more from entertaining game

Ian, Mark & DaveFevs join DaveP in reviewing a decent display against a team in form who, quite honestly, flattered to deceive despite having 72% possession.

Injury & illness meant City started with a back three of Tanner, Vyner & Pring. Whilst it might have been different against more physical opposition as a trio they did very well with Pring voted as MOM.

When Tommy Conway put City in front with a well worked goal it was just reward for a sparkling opening, indeed, if early chances been converted the game would have been won before the half hour mark. 

Perhaps it wasn't the worldy described by DaveP but the power drive that took a deflection for an equaliser was no more than Swansea deserved as City were somewhat lack lustre for the last 20 minutes.

In this episode we talk briefly about club finances, ponder whether we'd like to watch a possession based style as displayed by Russell Martin's side and assess our chances in the final three league games before the World Cup break starting against Sheffield United on Tuesday.

 

 

 

Reading [A] ... the verdict - you’ve heard it all before!!

With over 2000 travelling supporters City made the short trip along the M4 to face a Reading side that had lost three in a row with a degree of confidence after an unexpected win at the Hawthorns on Tuesday. It would be true to say that the team failed to show up as another abject performance was dished up in a manner that is all too familiar.

Ian, Mark & DaveP go through the action and try to fathom the root cause of the problem.

We're worried about the falling value of our stars and we had no inside knowledge when we suggested it highly likely that Richard Gould would return to the world of Cricket, something that has now been confirmed.

Thank goodness we have a week off!!

 

WBA [A] the verdict ...... who saw that coming? Jekyll & Hyde City in sparkling form

Ian & DaveP are joined by Chris Honor in analysing City's unexpected victory at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night, their first at that venue for almost 30 years.

Not unexpectedly, after a poor run of from, Andi Weimann was left out of the starting 11 which allowed Matty James to come in and offer that extra presence in midfield we've been calling for.

City's first half display was of the highest order and they were rewarded with goals from Joe Williams, his first for the club, and Nahki Wells, his 7th of the season.

It was backs to the wall stuff in the 2nd half as City's defence held firm against a barrage of corners [13 in total] and the Baggies twice hit the woodwork.

If City maintain this from then the sky's the limit but it is a very big IF!!

Millwall [H] review .... rinse & repeat as City concede more soft goals

Neil, Ian, & Mark talk with DaveP about yesterday's disappointing games against Millwall.

Who was to blame for that winning goal - Kalas or Max? 

With 7 games until the World Cup break can City stay out of the bottom 3?

PNE [H] review: Atkinson brace secures gutsy win

City secured a much needed win in 6 games with two second half headed goals from defender Rob Atkinson.

Pearson made 4 changes from the side that lost badly at the weekend, the most notable being replacing Bentley with O'Leary who did enough to suggest he's good enough for another extensive run in the side.

Preston are a nasty bunch and if you add to this a typical Keith Stroud refereeing display and a late goal to make it 1-1 it is even more credit to City that they emerged victorious with that 90th minute winner.

Tim Klose was imperious at the heart of the defence and his presence made us look more secure than for a while.

Ian, Mark & a welcome return for DaveFevs speak with host DaveP about what was a good night which augers well for Saturday's home game with Millwall

Birmingham [A] review: City at their inept worst

When losing at Norwich last month in a match that ended an unbeaten run of 8 it almost felt like a victory as City put in a performance of the highest order.

In the 4 games following we've managed just a point and the performance at St.Andrews on Saturday was perhaps the worst City have put in during the Pearson era.

3 goals conceded, all from set pieces, proved City's undoing and the sparkling forward play of last month appeared a distant memory as it wasn't until 85 minutes that they mustered a shot on target.

Who's the guy in this episode's picture? Alberto Tarantini was a star in Argentina's 1978 World Cup winning team. Spurs got Ardiles & Villa, Birmingham signed this former Boca Juniors defender who only lasted 23 games after he attacked a fan for heckling! Seemed like yesterday was a tribute to him with Blues Chong, Hannibal & Sanderson all sporting his trademark hairstyle along with our own HNM who's own performance was the pits.

Ian, Mark & DaveP chat through a game with a tone that we hoped was long gone

Coventry [H] review: clean sheet was a plus point

Ian, Neil and DaveP debate the match action vs. the Sky Blues as City had to be content with a point in a rare scoreless draw.

Were there any standout performances and how should the side line up against Birmingham at the weekend