Football City denied victory in Spain after Diedhiou double
BRISTOL City’s first friendly during their Marbella training camp ended in a 2-2 draw against Real Balopédica Linense
The Robins were taking part in their fifth friendly of pre-season and raced into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Famara Diedhiou either side of half-time.
Yet the second half saw a string of Robins changes, which allowed the hosts to get back into the match.
The Robins were a notch above their Spanish counterparts for a large period of the game but allowed the hosts back into the game thanks to a fine volley from Andres Carrasco that gave young Robins Jojo Wollacott no chance.
Just when it looked like they would seal a Spanish victory, however, Linense equalised in the last minute through Carresco after a good save from Jojo Wollacott had forced a corner.
» George Dowling has joined Eastleigh on loan from Bristol City.
The Robins youngster spent time on loan at Torquay United last season, scoring two goals in 21 appearances in the Gulls’ ultimately unsuccessful relegation battle.
Dowling, 19, is Eastleigh’s fifth signing of the summer as Andy Hessenthaler looks to launch a promotion campaign and get the Spitfires EFL football for the first time in their history.
The midfielder has so far made two substitute league appearances for the Robins, playing the final 20 minutes of a 4-0 win over Huddersfield in April 2016 and the final 23 minutes of a 1-0 defeat to QPR on the final day of the 2015-16 season.
Dowling’s loan will run until January 6 2019.
» Former Bristol City goalkeeper Luke Steele could be staying in the Championship.
The 33-year-old was released by the Robins this summer after just one season with the club which saw him make 10 appearances as he battled with Frank Fielding for the number one jersey. Yet Steele could well remain in the Championship as he is on trial at Sheffield United, revealed prior to their friendly against Bradford City.
In an interesting twist of fate, if Steele were to join the Blades, he would find himself playing second fiddle to Dean Henderson - the man the Robins tried to sign as a replacement for Steele, but who moved to Bramall Lane on loan from Manchester United instead.
Also on trial at the Blades is David McGoldrick, the former Ipswich Town striker who was recently linked with a move to the Robins .
The Robins are still no closer to finding a replacement for Steele, with Tim Krul the latest keeper to be linked with a move to Ashton Gate.
» Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan is still a wanted man but so far no clubs have made bids for the 24-year-old defender. And it could be that the Bristolian stays at City for another year with renewed hope that the player may yet sign a new deal at some point if his ambitions can be realised in BS3.
Fulham have recruited Maxime Le Marchand from Nice and interest has dwindled in Bryan although the Cottagers are still in the market for a left-back.
Sky Sports recently reported that the Cottagers still hope to bring back Matt Targett from Southampton for another year, although the Saints prefer to keep Targett. The problem is that Mark Hughes’ side also have Sam McQueen on the books and England international Ryan Bertrand, and so something may have to give.
FRY CLUB CUP RESULTS
1st rd (Monday): Torpedo 0 AEK Boco 3, Cribbs FC 2 Hambrook 2 (Cribbs won 5-4 on pens), Seymour Utd 2 Longwell Green 5.
TONIGHT’S MATCHES
2nd rd: Bitton v Hengrove Ath, Hillfields OB v Highridge Utd, Brislington v Keynsham Tn. Brunel Shield 2nd rd: Stockwood Wdrs v Old Sodbury, Sneyd Park v Ashton & Backwell.