Bristol Live’s Bristol City player ratings as the Robins were held to a 0-0 draw by Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon

17:48, 27 Sep 2025Updated 18:40, 27 Sep 2025

Dan Carter is the Bristol City reporter at Bristol Live. He joined the title in November 2024 having previously been a football reporter at Breaking Media. Before that, he was a sports journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire where he also covered the Robins whilst on placement. In his role, he wants to keep supporters informed with the latest news in and around Ashton Gate whether that be on matchdays, during transfer windows or everything in between.

Anis Mehmeti twice came close as Bristol City drew 0-0 with Preston North End(Image: Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)Radek Vitek – 7

In truth, Bristol City’s stopper didn’t have an awful lot to do between the posts after a couple of smart saves in quick succession in the first half. Did what was required of him, but still needs to be more consistent with his distribution, especially from goal kicks, where he once or twice kicked straight into the stands. Solid throughout, however.

READ MORE: Preston North End vs Bristol City live: Atkinson fit to start as Robins unchanged at DeepdaleREAD MORE: Charlotte Healy relishing BS3 return as Bristol City Women end ‘heavy week’ with Forest testZak Vyner – 8

Back on his preferred right side of Bristol City’s backline, Zak Vyner produced the sort of display, both in and out of possession, that he has managed time and time again in recent seasons. On a couple of occasions, the centre-back played some smart, direct passes that kick-started attacks, while also showing a willingness to overlap and cross into the area. Kept that up in the second half before stepping into midfield, where he also did an excellent job.

Rob Dickie – 8

The task of keeping Milutin Osmajic quiet is by no means an easy one, but in the first half in particular, Rob Dickie did really well to neutralise the striker’s threat as he got the better of him in the air throughout. Got caught underneath the ball once; however, he made the crucial block to turn Osmajic’s strike around the post. A real leader’s defence in the heart of City’s backline

Rob Atkinson – 8

You would have been forgiven for not realising Rob Atkinson was an injury doubt heading into Saturday’s game, as he went about his business superbly on the left side of the Reds’ back three. The 27-year-old didn’t seem to lose a duel in the contest and was more than willing to try and get involved going forward. Keeping him fit and available is a must for Gerhard Struber’s side.

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Mark Sykes – 6.5

After struggling to majorly impact proceedings against Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford, Mark Sykes’ first-half performance at Deepdale was much more influential. The winger found plenty of space on the right flank and produced a couple of smart crosses and passes to pick out Ross McCrorie in particular. Faded in the second half a little bit, however but did what was needed of him.

Adam Randell – 7

As usual, the summer signing produced an all-action, if unspectacular, performance in the middle of the park. He does the simple stuff so well, whether he’s in or out of possession, to keep Bristol City ticking. Perhaps could have done better with the one chance that fell his way in the second half, but other than that, he was as reliable as ever.

Jason Knight (off for George Tanner, 85’) – 7

Having had an incredibly rare off-day against the U’s last time out, Jason Knight was back to his energised best for Bristol City in the middle of the park on Saturday afternoon. The Robins skipper seemed to be first to every loose ball and battled away on what was a difficult afternoon in the middle of the park. Hopefully, the issue that forced him off late on isn’t anything to worry about.

Ross McCrorie – 8

It would be fair to say Ross McCrorie is well and truly one of the most influential players in this Bristol City team currently. The Scotsman was the player to come closest to an opener in the first half, and also snuffed out Preston’s best chance of the opening period when he threw his body in front of a shot from the right side of the penalty area. Should have had an assist when his through ball set Anis Mehmeti through in the second half, but the Albanian’s finish let him down. Probably one of the Reds’ best player in possession today.

Scott Twine – 6

Despite seeing plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges, Scott Twine didn’t quite manage to get his radar right in the first half. On a couple of occasions, the attacking midfielder’s touch let him down, with a few first-time passes not finding their intended target. Improved as the game wore on, however, and carried his usual threat from set-pieces.

Anis Mehmeti – 5.5

Once again, Anis Mehmeti carried Bristol City’s greatest attacking threat as he caused the North End defence plenty of problems, especially when he had the ball at his feet. However, he simply had to score when played through by Ross McCrorie in the second half. While that one was bad, the one to win the game in stoppage time was frustrating, as he had all the time in the world to pick his spot, only to hit the goalkeeper. Being able to take those simple chances is what will transform the Albanian international into a 15-goal-a-season player instead of a 10.

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Emil Riis (off for Sinclair Armstrong, 85’) – 5

On his return to Deepdale, Emil Riis really struggled to get involved in proceedings. The Dane was unable to link play as he has done through the season so far, and didn’t really get on the ball in the North End penalty area. Perhaps the occasion got to him, or maybe it was a result of a lack of service, but it was not his day.

Substitutes:George Tanner – N/ASinclair Armstrong – N/AYu Hirakawa – N/AREAD MORE: Rob Dickie on returning Bristol City’s set-piece edge, ‘perfect’ Struber and top six readinessREAD MORE: Gerhard Struber sets Sinclair Armstrong and Fally Mayulu brief to play bigger Bristol City role