Bristol City 2-0 Blackpool
James Healey reports from Ashton Gate

Two goals in three first-half minutes ensured victory over Premier League new boys Blackpool at Ashton Gate.

Ivan Sproule opened the scoring before David Clarkson doubled the advantage two minutes later after a long ball from Cole Skuse.

City named new signings Damion Stewart and Nicky Hunt in the starting line-up with fellow new boy David James watching from the comfort of the Directors Box.

The game started in bright sunshine with both teams passing the ball around neatly but no-one tested either keeper.

David James meets the Ashton Gate faithful ahead of the game

It wasn't until the 21st minute that the first shot appeared and it ended in Sproule scoring the opening goal. A neat through ball by Clarkson found the unmarked winger, who made no mistake sliding the ball past the advancing Paul Rachubka in the Blackpool goal.

City doubled their lead three minutes later when a Skuse long ball over the top caused some confusion between Ian Evatt and Rachubka. Clarkson managed to nip in around Evatt and finish with ease from 12 yards.

Clarkson, who looked lively all through the first half nearly scored another with a neat flick header from a Jamie McAllister free kick, only to see the ball go just wide of the upright.

At half-time manager Steve Coppell made five changes with Gavin Williams, Lewin Nyatanga, Lee Johnson and Tom Williams replacing Elliott, Fontaine, Skuse and McAllister with Clarkson taking over as captain.

Ivan Sproule slots in the opening goal of the match

On 65 minutes new signing Hunt was forced to leave the field of play with an injury. Joe Edwards moved to right-back with John Akinde coming on to play up front.

Akinde didn't take long to test Rachubka. Adomah ran at the Blackpool defence on the left-wing before cutting the ball back to the unmarked substitute striker. Akinde took aim and fired a shot low to the keeper's left, only to see the Blackpool shot-stopper save well.

Adomah was again in the action when the ball fell kindly to him to unleash a strong volley, which Rachubka parried but gathered on the second attempt.

David Clarkson celebrates netting to put City two goals up

On 73 minutes Lewin Nyatanga was carried off with a leg injury to be replaced by trialist Charlie Taylor. This forced the manager to switch Adomah to right-back and Edwards to left-back.

Next up for City will be a tough opening home league fixture against Championship newcomers Millwall.

City: Gerken (Henderson 46), Hunt (Akinde 65), Stewart, Fontaine (Nyatanga 46) (Taylor 73), McAllister (T. Williams 46); Skuse (Johnson 46), Elliott (G. Williams 46), Campbell-Ryce (Edwards 55); Sproule, Clarkson (Jackson 65), Adomah.

Att: 4,629 - 124 Away.

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