Football: Hughes' pace torments Bristol City

Bristol City 1 West Bromwich Albion 3

BRISTOL CITY, still without a win this season, ran into more trouble against Denis Smith's mobile Albion side - especially the pace and lethal finishing of Lee Hughes.

The 22-year-old striker took his goal tally to eight as he netted twice in the first 33 minutes - and it was almost a hat-trick early in the second- half but his header hit a post.

City, reshuffled after the interval, staged their revival too late and never quite had the skill to outwit a disciplined Albion defence, for whom Alan Miller pulled off three sharp saves before half-time. City did pull back a goal, however, after 69 minutes when substitute Julian Watts, with almost his first touch, headed in from Mickey Bell's centre.

But the Baggies' speed and accuracy repeatedly caused Bristol's shaky defence trouble, and they had already built up a three-goal lead by the 52nd minute when James Quinn jabbed in at the far post as he stretched for a left-wing cross from the accurate Kilbane.

For Bristol City's manager John Ward the worries continue, following his heavy investments in the summer. He needs to go into the market again for another defender.