Summary: Good moments of progression during transitions, high-tempo, and forward thinking. Let down on occasion by quality of the final pass. The match was effectively killed off after Randell’s Red card on the 36th minute, meaning Ballard had few opportunities to show his attacking talent.

Ashton Gate saw a multitude of changes over the off-season, both off and on the pitch. The arrival of James Ellis as Sporting Director was followed by a flurry of signings. With League One a regular hunting ground for Bristol City, it made sense that signing last season's League One top scorer would be a priority for the club.

Dom Ballard made his full league debut against Millwall on the opening day of the Championship season. He was one of seven City players making their league debut in this game. In Bristol City's previous match - a cup tie against League Two side Walsall - this lack of cohesion was already apparent, as City struggled to break down Walsall's defence.

Millwall are a quality Championship side, having just missed out on automatic promotion last season. They are also a physically dominant team, with a number of tall players such as Jake Cooper (around 6ft 5in). On paper this was always going to be a tough opening game for Bristol City - and a tough game it proved to be.

The match was fairly even for the first thirty minutes, with neither side creating a clear-cut chance. The balance shifted decisively in the 36th minute when Bristol City's Randell was sent off for a second yellow card. Millwall scored shortly after, and from that point the game was firmly in Millwall's favour.

First Half-Hour

Initially, Ballard was deployed in a number 10 role behind Lorent Tolaj. In possession, City struggled to break down the Millwall defence; the main approach was to launch the ball over midfield towards number 9 Tolaj, who looked to knock it down into the path of players like Greenwood and Ballard. This rarely worked, though one instance saw Ballard show a moment of quick thinking under pressure, receiving the ball and finding a progressive pass towards Hirakawa on the wing.

Ballard looked at his best in transition, progressing the ball in several dangerous counter-attacking moments. These chances came from good positioning and an ability to find space as the game turned over. Unfortunately, his final ball let him down more than once. Most notably in a promising 3v1 counter-attack, where the pass he chose looped harmlessly through to the goalkeeper. The idea was good; the execution wasn't.

Out of possession, Ballard pressed the Millwall defence well, showing good energy and defensive awareness.

Post Red Card

After the sending-off, Ballard was moved to the left wing for the remainder of the first half, then into a front two alongside Tolaj in the second. There's little of note from this period. City couldn't gain a foothold in the match, which was effectively killed off by Millwall's second goal. Ballard kept up a good work-rate throughout, but nothing else stood out before his substitution after 63 minutes.

Post-Game Thoughts

It's too early to judge Ballard's City career on this showing. The teams cohesion clearly isn't there yet, and that should improve over the coming games. He does look trusted as a first-team player already, and it's likely he and Tolaj will be given time together to settle into a groove.

Stat Zone

• Sofascore rating: 6.3

• Shooting: 1 shot off target, 0.17 xG

• Passing: 8/12 passes completed

• Dribbling: 3/3 successful, 2 progressive carries

• Defensive: 3 defensive contributions