Bristol City fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening, a result that leaves them 11th in the Championship table with 14 points from 10 games. The only goal came from Oladapo Afolayan in the 38th minute, his smart turn and finish wrong-footing goalkeeper Sam Tickle at the near post.
Tolaj absence and team news
Forward Lorent Tolaj missed the match with a niggle, his second consecutive absence. Manager Michael Skubala provided an update on his condition ahead of Saturday's home game against Sheffield United. "Tolly might be Saturday," Skubala said, indicating the player could be available from the bench. "If not, I think Tolly will be [fit] for the next game."
Midfielder Joe Williams was also absent with a niggle picked up during the international break, with Skubala stating he had no further update on his condition. Gibson Yah played the full 90 minutes in a deeper midfield role alongside Jason Knight, requiring treatment after a late collision but completing the match. The manager made five changes from the draw at Charlton, bringing in Lisav Eissat, Cam Pring, Yah, Sam Greenwood and Jed Wallace.
Chances go begging
City created several clear opportunities but found Blackburn goalkeeper Balázs Tóth in inspired form. In the 11th minute, a brilliant first touch from Dom Ballard set up a chance that Tóth saved with his foot. The goalkeeper then made a fantastic full-stretch stop to deny Ballard's close-range header minutes later. George Tanner saw a header saved in the 25th minute, while substitute Yu Hirakawa had a deflected effort hit the side netting after the break.
The home side thought they had equalised in the 75th minute when Tomi Horvat finished from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up. Tóth made further late saves to push away a Horvat strike and deny Hirakawa and Elijah Adebayo, with Adebayo heading over from the centre of the box in the final opportunity.
Looking ahead
The defeat, part of a recent run of form that reads LDWLL, sees City nine points behind leaders Swansea. Attention now turns to Saturday's 3pm kick-off at Ashton Gate against 15th-placed Sheffield United, a chance to bounce back. The availability of Tolaj and Williams will be assessed ahead of that clash, with City aiming to improve on a record of 12 goals scored and 14 conceded this season.
Background and full detail: Bristol Live
