Scott Twine delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a vital 3-2 victory for Bristol City over Bolton on Saturday. The result lifts the Robins to 14th in the Championship table with 15 points from 12 games, ending a run of four matches without a win. Their record now stands at four wins, three draws and five losses, with a goal difference of minus three having scored 12 and conceded 15.
How the comeback unfolded
Dominic Ballard gave City an early lead, finishing from Jason Knight's pass in the 13th minute. Bolton responded quickly, with Josh Sheehan equalising just three minutes later. The hosts then took the lead shortly before the hour mark through Sam Dalby, who scored his fifth goal of the season. Bolton's Aaron Collins had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, while City's Tommy Conway saw a headed effort cleared off the line.
Bristol City manager Michael Skubala made a double change on 55 minutes, introducing Yu Hirakawa and Jed Wallace. The momentum shifted decisively when substitute Sam Bellis levelled the scores in the 84th minute, converting a cross from Cameron Pring. Then, deep into added time, Wallace turned provider, setting up fellow substitute Twine to fire home the decisive goal from close range. Twine's winner, his first goal for the club, sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Squad rotation and context
The team's recent form had been patchy, with just one win in their previous five league outings, a sequence of one win, two draws and two losses. Skubala utilised his squad fully, making eleven substitutions in total during the match. Key absentees included Rob Dickie and Elijah Adebayo, who are among those currently sidelined alongside N. Eile and L. Tolaj. Defender Zak Vyner also missed the match due to a minor injury.
Jack Bonham made his first start since the 4-0 defeat at Millwall, while the attacking changes in the second half proved key. The victory provides a significant boost ahead of a challenging midweek fixture. Bristol City now turn their attention to hosting Wolves at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening. Skubala praised his team's character, stating the comeback showed a strong mentality and that the substitutes made a huge impact.
