City 2-0 Wolves
Adam Baker reports from Ashton Gate

City comfortably swept aside the challenge of Premier League new boys Wolves with a 2-0 victory at Ashton Gate.

Brilliant first-half strikes from Danny Haynes and Nicky Maynard were enough to give City an impressive victory in front of 4,777 fans.

And Martin Lejsal took another step to winning a move to Ashton Gate with a clean sheet and a handful of smart saves.

City operated in a 3-5-2 formation with Bradley Orr and Jamie McAllister working as wing-backs. David Clarkson supported the two goalscorers in the hole, with Paul Hartley and Marvin Elliott slightly withdrawn.

Greg Halford spurned the first chance on seven minutes when he totally miskicked in front of goal from Kevin Foley's cross.

Danny Haynes finds the net with a cool finish

But City were soon back down the other end with Maynard opening up a chance for David Clarkson inside the box, but the Scotsman could only direct his shot against the outside of the post.

After a spell of dominance in possession, City duly took the lead on 33 minutes as Maynard's pass put Haynes in down the right. The summer signing from Ipswich twisted beyond Christophe Berra and finished brilliantly with the outside of his right foot before celebrated with the East End supporters.

Marvin Elliott set-up goal number two five minutes later, picking out Maynard in plenty of room. The striker was able to turn and unleash an unstoppable dipping shot which beat Wayne Hennessey all ends up.

Nicky Maynard celebrates his goal with Marvin Elliott

Haynes had a good chance to add to City's tally after half-time when Hartley's pass put him clear, but this time Hennessey was up to the task. Then Hartley's free kick was headed goalwards by an unmarked Lewin Nyatanga only for the Wolves custodian to make another smart stop - this time one-handed.

Nenad Milijas forced Lejsal into action at the other end with a shot from distance, while Maynard shot into the side-netting in front of the Atyeo Stand.

Another smart denial by Lejsal from Milijas' 25-yard free kick followed, before a flurry of substitutions killed the tempo and the game.

A late shot from substitute George Friend made Lejsal work again. There was also a nice cheer for Matthew Hill, the ex-City defender returning as a late replacement for the visitors.

Lee Johnson missed the game through illness, while Louis Carey was absent due to a family bereavement.

City: Lejsal; Fontaine (J.Wilson 80), McCombe, Nyatanga; Orr (Ribeiro 80), Elliott (Akinde 71), Clarkson (Williams 67), Hartley (Skuse 67), McAllister; Maynard (McIndoe 71), Haynes (Sproule 71).