Bell clocks up two in young Robins win

Tuesday, October 27th 2020

Sam Bell fired home two goals as City Under-23s returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over an experienced Crewe Alexandra at the Optima Stadium in Weston.

The former Nailsea United player scored in the 40^th and 58^th minutes as the young Robins recorded their fourth win in five Professional Development League games.

Bell also provided the assist for Louis Britton, back after his successful month-long loan at Torquay United, when he fired in a cross for the centre-forward to rifle the opener into the roof of the net.

Bell's brace sandwiched Vince Harper's goal as City rounded off the victory in front of watching first team Head Coach Dean Holden.

Captain Tom Harrison was delighted with how the Robins managed the game, and he told Robins TV: “We spoke at half-time about killing the game early on and in the first five-10 minutes of the second half they really put pressure on us but we defended well and then Vince scored the third goal. We weren’t at our best and we have definitely played better this season but it was good to get the victory after the loss (to Sheffield United).”

WATCH TOM HARRISON’S INTERVIEW HERE

“On a personal note I’m delighted with the two gaols but it’s all about the three points at the end of the day,” added Bell. “I’m glad for the team that we have won four out of five. With all the Covid issues we have got quite a small group and training together a lot has created a really good atmosphere within the dressing room.”

Tom Harrison led the young Robins to a 4-1 win

The Alex, boasting the experienced Eddie Nolan, Alex Bruce and Oli Lancashire in their ranks, had an early opportunity when Jojo Wollacott blocked Tyreece Onyeka’s narrow-angled shot.

And the keeper did well to deal with some tricky crosses in the wind that whipped across the coastal town.

Britton almost doubled City’s tally when he headed in Nathanial Williams’ cross but was judged to be offside.

Bell did make it two after 34 minutes as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and gave Sam Booth in the Crewe goal no chance.

City started the second half with the same attacking intent and Harper took them 3-0 up when he rode a tackle in the box and crashed the ball home after 53 minutes.

Crewe pulled a goal back through Nolan but it was a small respite as Harrison was brought down in the box and Bell went straight down the middle of the goal from the penalty box.

Josh Owers hit a long-range shot against the post and there was more woodwork action at the other end when Joe Robbins crashed the ball against the City bar as the home team secured maximum points.

Up next for City Under-23s is an away game at Coventry City on Monday, November 2nd (KO 1pm).

City: Jojo Wollacott, Barney Soady, Nathaniel Williams, Tom Harrison (capt), Joe Porton, Josh Owers, Vince Harper, Sam Pearson, Louis Britton, Sam Bell, Zac Smith. Subs used: Prince Henry, Khari Allen, Zak Bell. Not used: James Walker, Dylan Kadji.