Report: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Bristol City Bristol City FC

Nahki Wells scored the winner for Bristol City in a game of two halves saw City claim all three points against Plymouth Argyle.

Nahki Wells’ close-range header beat Michael Cooper in the 58th minute to complete the double over the Pilgrims and secure their second consecutive win. 

Despite a strong first half, Argyle’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly as they go another game without a win. 

Bristol City will look build on their unbeaten run as their attention shifts to Sunderland on Saturday, April 6th.

The opening exchanges were dominated by the hosts who suffocated City with their positive passages of play. 

Within the first ten minutes, Plymouth had won six corners one of which defender Bali Mumba volleyed over the bar.  

Just as Bristol City looked to get a foothold in the game Argyle found themselves on the counter-attack but Ryan Hardie dragged his shot wide at the crucial moment.  

Moments later Morgan Whittaker beat Haydon Roberts and Rob Dickie to cut inside and strike at Max O’Leary – who was unphased in the City goal.

Hardie would have yet another opportunity that Vyner blocked well to keep the score at nil-nil. 

Argyle’s best chance of the half fell to Whittaker who volleyed well but high from Mathew Sorinola’s cross. 

Having enjoyed a period of better possession Matty James looked to have set up Scott Twine with a lovely ball over the top – Twine controlled beautifully but was denied by the fingertip of Cooper. 

Liam Manning made a triple substitution at half time which saw Roberts, James and Tommy Conway make way for Mark Sykes, Joe Williams and Nahki Wells and a change in formation.

Sykes made his presence known early and felt he was fouled in the penalty area, but Keith Stroud waved the Irishman’s appeals away. 

As City upped the intensity Alfie Devine took one for his side, fouling Knight and collecting a yellow for his troubles.  

City took the lead in the 58th minute after a trademark run from Knight created initial opportunities for Mehmeti and Sykes before Wells headed home the scraps from close range. 

Morgan Whittaker looked to level the score, but his low drive was saved well by O’Leary. 

Harry Cornick was introduced in the 70th minute to replace Mehmeti.  

Substitutes Sykes and Wells forced brilliant saves from Cooper within moments of each other as City continued to pile on the pressure. 

Devine’s tackle on Tanner in the 77th minute earned him his second yellow of the match leaving his side down to ten men for the final exchanges. 

Manning made a further substitution in the 82nd minute as Andy King replaced Twine.  

With only a few minutes left to play Cam Pring was booked as Argyle earned themselves a dangerous free kick which O’Leary confidently punched away. 

City finished the stronger of the two sides and took home a hard-fought three points.

Starting XI: O’Leary, Vyner, Dickie, Roberts (Sykes 46′), Tanner, James (C)(Williams 46′), Knight, Pring, Twine (King 82′), Conway (Wells 46′) , Mehmeti (Cornick 70′).

Subs not used: Bajic, Knight-Lebel, McCrorie, Mebude.