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Monday 18 July 2005 - Twerton Park - kick off 7.00pm Pre-season Friendly 
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| half-time: 0-2 | result: L0-5 | attendance: 1206 |
| team: | Fisher, S Jones, Power, York (Newby 65), Coupe, Klukowski, Rollo, Ford (c) (Duggan 45), Paul (Thomas 32), Partridge (Hulbert 60), Sandell. subs not used: Pearson, Minnis. |
| man of the match: | Matt Coupe |
| scorers: | none |
| bookings: | none |
| officials: | R Palmer, T Phillips, R Corp |
| league position: n/a | form: ----WL | next match: Bishops Cleeve (A) |
City found themselves on the receiving end of a footballing masterclass from a Bristol City squad which looks well equipped for the forthcoming Coca-Cola League 1 season. It was always going to be tough for John Relish's weakened side to stay competitive against a professional team who have had the benefit of several weeks of full-time fitness work. City stuck manfully to their task and there were notable performances from midfield inspiration Bobby Ford, before his half-time departure through injury, winger Andy Sandell and striker Scott Partridge. But a Bristol City victory always looked inevitable and the manner in which it was achieved was even more impressive given assistant manager Keith Millen's post-match revelation that his side have yet to work on their attacking play in pre-season.
The only disappointment for the visitors, although hardly a major concern at this embryonic stage of the season, was that high-profile signing Marcus Stewart didn't get on the scoresheet during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Stewart, who also failed to score in Saturday's 4-0 win at Hereford, almost netted in the sixth minute when a cross-shot from Grant Smith just eluded him as he slid in at the back post. Scott Brown and Bradley Orr also went close for Bristol City before the opening goal arrived on 14 minutes. Scott Golbourne, a teenage defender with a big future ahead of him, insitigated it with a low cross from the left and Scott Brown fired home from 12 yards. Partridge nearly equalised on 21 minutes when he cut in from the right and struck a 20-yard effort just past the right-hand post. But Bristol City were always in control and a second goal arrived on 29 minutes. Referee Richard Palmer awarded a clear penalty after Steve Jones brought down Steven Gillespie, who tucked the spot-kick away into the bottom left corner of Andy Fisher's net. Yan Klukowski, who is still waiting for his exam results before deciding whether to take up a football scholarship at an American university, tested Bristol City keeper Steve Phillips with a toe-poked effort. At the other end, in the closing minutes of the half, Fisher did well to rush out and deny Stewart on the edge of the penalty area and Luke Wilkshire dragged a shot just wide.
With the exception of goalkeeper Steve Phillips, Bristol City changed their entire side for the second period. But it made no difference to the quality of their football and, in particular, the creativity of central midfielder Cole Skuse and the pace and trickery of striker Dave Cotterill stood out. The third goal came on 64 minutes when Skuse slipped a pass through to Ryan Harley, who touched the ball past Fisher and netted from close range. It became 4-0 on 73 minutes when Steve Brooker latched on to a long pass from Jack Perry, hooked the ball past Jones and then fired his 15-yard drive past Fisher. The best goal of the night, however, was the last one on 83 minutes. Craig Woodman advanced down the left and played a short pass to Harley, whose crisp 25-yard strike gave Fisher no chance.