Clinical City banish demons from that defeat in play-offs

Talking points from Bristol City's victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, by Dan Carter

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STANDING on the same spot they occupied 89 days prior, the Bristol City squad were again met by a sea of noise as they applauded the travelling fans who had made the journey to Bramall Lane on Saturday evening.

As was the case on that May night three months ago, the City supporters were in fine voice as they celebrated an immense effort from the players against a strong Sheffield United side. This time, however, the celebrations at the end of the Blades’ ground marked not only a win, but the start of a journey rather than the end of one, and what a start it was.

In truth, most who made the journey to the Steel City on the opening day of the campaign wouldn't have known quite what to expect from Gerhard Struber's side. Yes, the Austrian had promised an exciting brand of football that would get fans off their seats, but could he and his players deliver on that promise at the first time of asking against a team expected to be in the automatic promotion mix?

Not only could they, they did, and boy it was fun to watch. Before supporters had even managed to settle into the rhythm of the new campaign, Scott Twine had broken the deadlock with a trademark free-kick which left three sides of Bramall Lane in a stunned silence. A Tyrese Campbell leveller nine minutes later served as a reminder of just how quickly the tide can turn in this division, but what followed no one could have predicted.

Ross McCrorie finished off an excellent counterattack after a smart pass by Twine midway through the first half to send City into the break ahead, and with just 30 seconds played of the second period, Anis Mehmeti had turned the ball home to extend the advantage. Twine then scored his second and City’s fourth of the afternoon with just 51 minutes played.