Match overview at Ashton Gate
Bristol City secured a pre-season victory over Newcastle United at Ashton Gate. The match saw goals from Sam Greenwood, Lorent Tolaj, and Max Bird for Bristol City. An own goal by Sven Botman also contributed to Bristol City‘s scoreline. Harvey Barnes scored for Newcastle United.
This result marked Bristol City‘s second pre-season win and their first under the management of Michael Skubala. The team’s performance was described as their best of the summer pre-season and during Skubala‘s tenure to date.
Newcastle United‘s lineup included Ewen Jaouen in goal, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schär in central defence. Jacob Murphy captained the visitors, while Lewis Hall occupied the opposing defensive flank. Sean Steur, Joe Willock, and Jacob Ramsey played in midfield. Upfront, Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes, and Sean Neave were named in the starting eleven.
Jaouen, who joined United from Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims last month, started in place of Nick Pope, who was on the bench. Sven Botman, who missed a previous encounter, started alongside Fabian Schär, who returned to action last weekend for the first time since January.
Squad developments and future plans
Six of Bristol City‘s seven summer signings featured in the friendly win. Sam Tickle, Lisav Eissat, Greenwood, and Tolaj started the match. Other new arrivals, Jed Wallace and Gibson Yah, came off the bench. Brad Collins was stationed elsewhere.
Manager Michael Skubala indicated that Bristol City still aims to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes, but they are not in a rush. He described the process as completing a “jigsaw puzzle” and stated that any new additions would be to make the team even stronger. The recruitment process has been precise, according to Skubala.
Newcastle United‘s bench for the friendly featured a youthful contingent, with nine of the 12 substitutes aged 20 or younger. These included Leo Shahar, Park Seung-soo, Trevan Sanusi, Dylan Charlton, Anthony Munda, Matheos Ferreira, and Mason Miley. Rory Finneran, an 18-year-old midfielder, aimed for his first public appearance for the Magpies at senior level. Alex Murphy, Miodrag Pivaš, and teenage goalkeeper Aidan Harris were also among the substitutes.
Bristol City‘s upcoming schedule includes travelling to both Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City on Saturday afternoon. Following these visits to the South West, attention will turn to the first game of the competitive season, a Carabao Cup clash with Walsall.
Historical context and match details
The Magpies‘ last trip to Ashton Gate was in August 2016, where a first-half strike by Dwight Gayle secured a 1-0 win during their 2016/17 Championship title-winning campaign.
During the recent match, Greenwood scored for Bristol City after 26 minutes with a right-footed free-kick. Shortly after, Tolaj scored, followed by Bird in the second half. Botman‘s own goal further extended Bristol City‘s lead, while Barnes scored a late goal for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United‘s pre-season preparations continue following a 1-1 draw away at Gateshead. The team travels to Ashton Gate to face the Robins, who finished in 12th place in the Championship last season.
The match was available for live viewing on newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App for those who purchased a pre-season live streaming pass.
Source: newcastleunited.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”