SEAN DAYUS 7

A solid senior debut for the under-21 keeper who showed no shortage of confidence in coming from his line. Inspired confidence ahead of what is likely to be his second competitive start on Tuesday.

MAT BIRLEY 7

In customary fashion, played his 150th City match out of position and you could not tell he had been shifted around. Nothing got past him and added to the attacking play at times.

JAMIE SMITH 6

One or two pings from deep helped to get City in behind. Had a difficult afternoon up against livewire Ben Usher-Shipway but did not throw in the towel.

JORDAN STODDART 7

Had his hands full against Rikardo Reid yet managed pretty well other than being turned on one occasion in the first half.

STAR MAN – MARK SMITH 7

Strong and aware to aid partner-in-crime Stoddart while carrying out from to the back to good effect.

NATHAN HAYWARD 7

Good mobility and range of passing as usual, added some ammunition going forward too. A good performance.

JOEL AMBALU 6

His best City performance so far on his first start. Plenty of energy and effort, good strength and composure for the goal but could not carry that consistently through the 90 minutes.

GEORGE FORSYTH 6

Dependable but not quite at his best. Partnership with Hayward still coming together.

NICK TURTON 5

Put himself about without anything coming off. Took a couple of knocks for his troubles and drifted from there.

ETHAN MORAN 6

Made a bright start but could not sustain the same level throughout. Having impressed against Rugby more than justified his start.

ALEX TOMKINSON 5

Work rate was there as usual without the spark. Never gave up, though.

Subs: Baldwin 6 (Moran, 56), Danks 6 (Tomkinson, 82), Robinson 5 (Turton, 82). Unused: Halil, Gomes.

Boldmere: Fenney 7, Rosser 6 (Ray, 89, 6), Abraham 6, Gayle 6, Craven 7, Lyng 8, Usher-Shipway 8, Brauns 6, Reid 7, Skinner 5, Mitchell 6 (Brooks, 82).

Unused subs: Williams, Andrews, Wagstaff.

Referee: Kurt Bartlett, 6.

Attendance: 179.

Match rating: 7/10.