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Anis Mehmeti and Mark Sykes celebrate Bristol City's opener against Stoke City Anis Mehmeti grabbed both goals to hand Bristol City victory against Stoke City and maintain their push for the play-offs. The Albanian scored the home side's opener in the 11th minute following a well-worked move, before adding another during the second half with a powerful angled shot. Stoke went close when Nathan Lowe's speculative cross hit the bar, but the hosts always looked in control of the game. The victory leaves Bristol City on 45 points, just two points outside the top six, while Stoke City continue to look over their shoulder in 19th spot, three points above the drop zone. Relive Wednesday's Championship action Championship table Liam Manning's side started the brightest as a long forward pass was brilliantly controlled by the lively Mehmeti in the box, giving a glimpse of what was to follow. He laid off the ball to Scott Twine, whose curling shot was well held by Viktor Johansson. It only took 11 minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock as a slick move involving several passes was brought to a successful conclusion by Twine's lovely through-ball to Sykes, whose cross from the right-wing was easily converted by Mehmeti from close range. Stoke almost levelled immediately when Lowe's cross from the byline clipped the top of the bar. The Robins responded with an opportunity that really should have been converted as Max Bird raced onto a loose ball and drove a left-footed shot just wide of the far post. The Ashton Gate side were soon asking more questions of their opponents again following the restart as Rob Dickie got away from his marker to reach Twine's set-piece only to flick his header wide. Mehmeti made sure of the victory in the 73rd minute when he smashed a fierce angled strike into the top corner, following Dickie's header from Bird's corner. Stoke keeper Johansson did not stand a chance of preventing the Albanian's 11th goal of the campaign. Sub Yu Hirakawa almost made it three, but was denied by a fine save from Johansson, who also kept out a Nahki Wells effort moments later as the home side piled on more pressure. Bristol City boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: "The first goal was an outstanding moment of quality. In the second half it was about managing the game without the ball, which was important. "The lads are such a top group to work with. We are able to move on quickly, which is a strength of the group, and we were able to find a way to win. In terms of managing the game and being professional, we did that well. "There are goals in this group of players, as we can see. There was some top play, not only in our goals, but other chances. We got into some good areas and if you keep doing that you will score eventually. "We had an honest meeting yesterday about what we can do better, how we can improve. We need to be tough on ourselves, not hide away, and the players were open to that. " Stoke manager Mark Robins told BBC Radio Stoke: "We had more possession and didn't have a shot on target, which is a damning statistic, and one I'm embarrassed about. "We have to win the duels, have an attacking intent and get that impetus by playing in a way that you mean it, rather than the apologetic performance we've just seen. The players are more capable than that – they know that. "Everyone who pays their hard-earned money deserves the minimum, which is a side that's running and fighting. We are working hard, but not in the right way. Mentally, we weren't at it. "We have to be miles better than that, and have the intent and a desire to score goals. These are young players who tend to be resilient but, in a game, can sometimes get overawed. There were two moments in the game where we switched off, allowing them to shoot and score. " This video can not be played Liam Manning on Bristol City performance: "Really professional" Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 12th February 2025 at 21: 57 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Liam Manning Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 Manager: Mark Robins Formation: 5 - 3 - 2 Manager: Liam Manning Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 Manager: Mark Robins Formation: 5 - 3 - 2 Championship All competitions All competitions All competitions Bristol City have failed to win any of their last three league games against Stoke City (D1 L2), the club’s longest winless run against the Potters since a seven-match stint between April 1995 and April 2002. Stoke City have won each of their last two away league games against Bristol City and will be looking to win three in succession at Ashton Gate for the first time. Bristol City forward Nahki Wells has scored four goals in his last four Championship starts against Stoke, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw in this season’s reverse fixture. Stoke City ended a seven-game winless away league run (D3 L4) with a 2-1 victory at Hull last time out. The Potters haven’t won consecutive away games since March 2024. Stoke manager Mark Robins has already picked up a point at Ashton Gate this season with Coventry in August – he has only won two of his nine visits there in the EFL (D3 L4), winning with Huddersfield Town in 2012-13 and Coventry in 2021-22. Match ends, Bristol City 2, Stoke City 0. Second Half ends, Bristol City 2, Stoke City 0. Attempt missed. Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Stoke City) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right from a direct free kick. Bae Jun-Ho (Stoke City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Jason Knight (Bristol City). Ben Pearson (Stoke City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Marcus Mc Guane (Bristol City). Attempt missed. Wouter Burger (Stoke City) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Josh Wilson-Esbrand with a cross following a set piece situation. Marcus Mc Guane (Bristol City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Bae Jun-Ho (Stoke City) wins a free kick on the right wing. Foul by Marcus Mc Guane (Bristol City). Offside, Stoke City. Ben Pearson is caught offside. Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time. Substitution, Bristol City. George Tanner replaces Ross Mc Crorie. Substitution, Stoke City. Ben Pearson replaces Lewis Baker. Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Stoke City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Yu Hirakawa (Bristol City). Lewis Koumas (Stoke City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Ross Mc Crorie (Bristol City). Substitution, Bristol City. Marcus Mc Guane replaces Max Bird. Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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