Bristol City player ratings vs Watford: Twine shines on debut, Pring picks up where he left off

Bristol City drew 1-1 with Watford after Scott Twine cancelled out Tom Dele-Bashiru's penalty

Max O’Leary - 7

Yes, his crossfield kicks into Cam Pring were a little off in the first half but without that stop on Yaser Asprilla, as he spread himself low at the feet of the Watford forward, it could have been a very different story for City.

George Tanner - 7

He was excellent for much of the game, reading the play exceptionally well, linking with McCrorie and making some incisive tackles to get City back on the front foot. Unfortunately his good work was nearly undone by a slip which eventually set Asprilla on his way but O’Leary came to the rescue.

Zak Vyner - 6

Was kept busy throughout by Watford’s forwards and kept them quiet for the most part but his overall performance was left down by some sloppy passes out from the back, which created unnecessary pressure on the defence.

Rob Dickie - 6

The handball will need a little explaining, and he may feel he was slightly impeded causing him to put his arm in the air but it was pretty blatant. That put City on the back foot after they had looked relatively comfortable up to that point.The centre-back’s distribution also wasn’t the crispest as he was a little hurried at times and surrendered possession

Ross McCrorie - 6

There are a few rough edges still to be polished, which is perfectly understandable, as at times the Scot’s touch and pass execution was a little off but there’s no question he brings added power and physical presence down the right flank, with real attacking intent. Put himself about with some strong challenges and also came close to scoring with a header from Twine’s corner at the start of the second half.

Matty James - 6

Got through a lot of work in shielding the defence but, similar to Williams, couldn’t quite impose himself on the game. On the other side of the ball however, he did make some key interceptions and blocks as the Hornets tried to play through the middle.

Joe Williams - 6

Such have been the levels he’s hit in recent weeks, inevitably there was going to be a down-game at some point and unfortunately Williams couldn't quite keep a lid on the impressive Ismael Kone while he wasn’t able to knit the play together as neatly as he has been. There was plenty of commitment, as you’d expect, but just a bit of an off-day.

Cam Pring - 7

Enjoyed an excellent first-half, picking up where he left off against West Ham, as the Robins increasingly targeted the left flank and Watford full-back Ryan Andrews. Pring made some powerful runs into the box and his fine leap set Conway away for the opener. He was also needed at the back with some fine cover defending to thwart Yaser Asprilla. But, frustratingly, just wasn’t in the game as much after the break.

Jason Knight - 7

He was a little quiet in the first period, with City often looking for Twine and, as stated, repeatedly passing it out to the left. But the Irishman had much more joy in the second 45 minutes and was a real force down the inside right area of the pitch, while his ability in the air caused some issues at the back for the Hornets.

Scott Twine - 7

A debut goal and it was an impressive jump by the playmaker after Conway’s effort spooned into the air. Twine’s set-piece taking was also outstanding throughout, with chances created for Dickie and Knight, and it’ll become a real weapon over the forthcoming weeks and months. It didn’t quite happen for him consistently enough in possession, with passes going astray but you could see the intent.

Tommy Conway - 7

Whether it be the system of having two No10s relatively close to him or because he’s simply understanding and adapting his role with greater ease, but Conway was involved with lots of City’s build-up, knowing he can come short with players running beyond him. His sharp run off the side of the centre-backs to reach Pring’s flick-on also led to Twine’s goal as he shot across goal was parried into the path of the midfielder by Ben Hamer.

Substitutes

Nahki Wells (for Conway, 61) - 6

Tried to add fresh impetus in attack but too much of the possession he received was outside the box.

Sam Bell (for McCrorie, 61) - 6

Brought more pace down the right as McCrorie tired and did get around the back on one occasion.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman (for Williams, 67) - 6

Looked to keep City on the front foot while operating at the base of midfield.

Subs not used: Stefan Bajic, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Haydon Roberts, Andy King, Anis Mehmeti, Harry Cornick

SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate