📝 Report: Bristol City Under-23s 4-2 Coventry City Under-23s

Tuesday, May 3rd 2022

The young Robins secured second place and a semi-final spot in the Professional Development League 2 South with victory over Coventry City.

Two goals before half-time from Sam Bell and Saikou Janneh put the young Robins in control, before a brace from Tommy Conway secured the three points.

City will now face Sheffield United in the semi-final at a date and time to be confirmed.

🧐 BACKGROUND

The young Robins were looking for a win their final scheduled PDL2 fixture after a 1-1 draw against Barnsley last time out, and included Saikou Janneh from his Shrewsbury Town loan; Ryley Towler after injury; and Duncan Idehen on the back of signing a two-year contract.

✍️ WHAT HAPPENED?

Goalkeeper Will Buse had to be alert early on, standing strong to deny Will Bapaga at his front post.

The young Robins came inches from the opener a few minutes later, after good pressure saw Coventry lose possession inside their own penalty area but Bell’s effort hit the crossbar.

Janneh then forced a save out of Cian Tyler, as he attempted to dink the ball over the on-rushing Coventry ‘keeper.

Eventually, the young Robins did find their breakthrough after a brilliant goal from Bell. After latching onto Buse’s goal kick, the forward fired a shot into the bottom corner, leaving Tyler with no chance.

Just before half-time, Bell was on hand to provide Janneh with a simple opportunity to double the young Robins’ advantage, sliding the ball across the penalty area before being tapped in by the 22-year-old.

⏱ HALF-TIME

After the break, the young Robins were given the opportunity to extend their lead after the referee awarded a spot-kick for handball. Conway stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way.

Some neat footwork from Conway saw him skip past a couple of defenders and make enough space to fire the ball home to double his tally for the afternoon.

The visitors pulled one back after a free-kick bounced off the crossbar and was headed in from close range by Ryan Howley.

Ayman Benarous’ well-struck free kick nearly found the bottom corner, but just went narrowly wide.

Jay McGrath pulled another goal back for Coventry but the young Robins were able to comfortably see out the rest of the match and secure the three points to finish runners-up to Ipswich Town.

Report: Cameron Wyper