Bristol City kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over Swindon Town at The County Ground on Saturday, as Michael Skubala's side continued their preparations for the new Championship campaign. Lorent Tolaj marked his competitive debut with two goals, including his first touch, to seal all three points in the Robins' final pre-season outing.
What happened at The County Ground?
The game started nervously for Bristol City, with Swindon Town taking the lead through Paul Glatzel after 50 minutes. But Tolaj, who joined from Plymouth Argyle on a four-year deal, equalised within seconds of coming on, slotting home his first touch to level the score. Jed Wallace restored City's lead with a crisp finish from inside the six-yard box, before Tolaj completed his brace with a header from a free-kick to seal the win.
City had already played Newport County in a behind-closed-doors friendly just days earlier, ending in a goalless draw. Since returning from their warm-weather training camp, Skubala's side have added Tolaj to their ranks, with the new striker already making an instant impact. The Robins sit 12th in the Championship after last season's 62-point haul, with their recent form standing at two wins and two draws in their last four outings.
Why it matters for Bristol City
Tolaj's debut performance will give Skubala plenty to think about ahead of the league opener. The new number nine's movement and composure under pressure suggest he could be a key addition to City's attack. The win itself is a morale boost, though pre-season results are never the full story. Still, the display of attacking intent-five goals scored in two friendlies-will raise hopes of a stronger start to the campaign than last season's 59-goal tally.
City's next step is to build on this momentum. The squad has been reshaped over the summer, with Tolaj joining a group that already includes Wallace and the returning Tommy Conway. Skubala will hope the new-look side can carry this form into the first league fixtures, starting with a tough opening-day clash against Coventry City, who sit 33 points clear at the top of the table.
What comes next for the Robins?
The focus now shifts to finalising the squad before the Championship curtain-raiser. Bristol City's opening-day fixture against Coventry looms large, with Skubala's men needing to prove they can compete with the league's established sides. The pre-season run has shown flashes of quality, but consistency will be the real test.
For Tolaj, the challenge is clear: turn his debut heroics into regular starting berths. The Championship is unforgiving, and City will need every weapon at their disposal to secure their place in the mid-table pack. The fans will be hoping the new striker's impact signals a brighter season ahead.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 12th in Championship, 62 pts, 17W-11D-18L from 46 games, recent form WLDLD.
