Eight honoured by City

stoppage-time corner from Marcus Tavernier, it was too late for Boro to earn anything from an impressive display.

City owed a big debt to goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who made a string of important saves, particularly at the start of the second half. The dangerous Tavernier and Aaron

Connolly were among the players denied on a frustrating afternoon for Chris Wilder’s men.

The Boro manager (left) was honest in his assessment, and said: “No excuses. We weren’t unlucky and got what we deserved. “Games are decided in both boxes. We couldn’t defend ours and we medium to long-term weren’t good enough to effect on the club and make the most of after a good run this is a opportunities in theirs. backward step. We will

“It’s not a time to be recover and go again. critical of the players. “Bristol have some

“My appointment was very good young players based on having a and all credit to them.” BRISTOL CITY: Bristol City: Bentley 9; Kalas 8, Williams 7 (Cundy 80), Klose 8; Bell 7 (Pring

65, 6), Massengo 7, Scott 7, Dasilva 7; Weimann 7; Martin 7, Semenyo 8.

Subs not used: Wiles-Richards, Wells, Vyner, Conway, Benarous.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Lumley 6; Dijksteel 7 (Watmore 74, 6), Fry 7, McNair 7; Jones 7, Crooks

8, Howson 7, Tavernier 8, Taylor 6 (McGree 53, 6); Balogun 7, Connolly 8.

Subs not used: Daniels, Peltier, Bamba, Lea Siliki, Coburn.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dan Bentley. The City goalkeeper was in unbeatable form, with a string of important saves.

REFEREE: Leigh Doughty 7 .