Adam Murphy's sensational strike for Bristol City U21s offers further evidence of his talent

Bristol City U21s 3-1 victory over Fleetwood Town may have represented the end of the road for five young talents in terms of their journey at the club, but for Adam Murphy it was yet another definitive and impressive step forward as he scored a sensational long-range strike to set the Robins on the way at Ashton Gate.

Starting a game in red and white for the first time after his eye-catching 27-minute cameo last week against Charlton Athletic, Murphy was stationed in a defensive midfield role alongside Tommy Backwell in a 4-2-3-1.

It had been an encouraging but also frustrating opening 30 minutes for the Young Robins as they were dominant on the ball but couldn’t find a way through the Fleetwood defence.

But after some initial runs forward looking to play on the shoulder of the defence as Murphy, Dylan Kadji and Backwell all interchanged roles through the middle of the park, the Irishman took matters into his own hands to put his side on course for victory.

Taking possession around 30 yards out from Callum Hutton, he pushed the ball onto his right foot and struck it with venom as it soared towards Ollie Bellizia’s goal, leaving the Fleetwood keeper grasping at thin air as it continued to accelerate as it flew past him.

Ashton Gate has witnessed some fine long-distance strikes this season from Taylor Gardner-Hickman against Middlesbrough, Scott Twine’s free-kick for the visit of Rotherham United, while Anis Mehmeti’s winner against Leicester City was on the border, but the quality and execution of Murphy’s strike was of a similar level.

He nearly scored a second soon after as he tried to pass the ball into the far post from just outside the penalty area again but just placed his effort a yard or two wide, showcasing his shooting abilities from all angles.

The impressive Ollie Thomas did put the Robins two goals to the good after Kadji and Backwell combined to allow him to finish confidently. Hutton added a third 11 minutes from time after being played in by Thomas as City closed out the Professional Development League 2 with four straight wins.

Murphy lasted 58 minutes before being replaced for Duncan Idehen, among the departing quintet on the day, as although his impact wasn’t felt on the ball quite as it had been seven days previously, there’s no questioning the talent in those boots.

Beyond his goal, he didn't deliver any explosive individual moments when in possession as it was a slightly more measured performance in how he moved the ball around the pitch, often as first receiver.

The 18-year-old has made significant strides over the last fortnight after arriving in January from St Patrick’s Athletic with his appearance in City colours delayed by fitness concerns and then niggling injury issues.

The 85 minutes he’s been on the field have allowed him to build his fitness levels and match sharpness heading into the off-season as he hopes to return as part of the conversation for the senior side.

This time has also showcased what sort of midfield player he could become; an energetic and athletic box-to-box creator with calmness in possession and tigerish out of it, who clearly has an eye for goal and the spectacular.

With a beaming Brian Tinnion making his way from his seat in the Dolman Stand down the tunnel, those majority of thee squad remained on the field to celebrate the win with Kadji, Idehen, Hutton, Zac Bell and Harry Leeson departing the club when their contracts expire next month.

Fellow U21 teammates Marlee Francois and Ben Acey were also present, as they were not involved, with this generation of talent now moving onto pastures new, albeit with futures uncertain.

For Murphy, however, it certainly looks very exciting indeed - for him and City.

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