Sam Bell starred with a hat trick as Bristol City U21s cruised to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United U21s in the Premier League Cup.
His first half double and early second half goal sealed a dominant performance from the hosts.
Captain Joe Low had opened the scoring with a low header from a corner.
The visitors were kept to a handful of chances with City goalkeeper Josey Casa-Grande standing strong.
Despite being a league below their opposition, City started off on the front foot with Harry Leeson firing over from a Sam Bell cross.
The Magpies defence had been given an early warning but weren’t prepared for a stooping header from Low as he met Omar Taylor-Clarke’s inswinging corner in the 12th minute.
Four minutes later Sam Bell doubled their lead with a cool finish past Will Brown after a smart one two between himself and strike partner Sam Pearson.
Those two continued to wreak havoc behind Newcastle’s high line as a third soon followed with Pearson seeing his shot blocked on the line and Sam Bell making no mistake on the rebound.
This seemed to spark the Magpies into life towards the end of the half as Niall Brockwell couldn’t get enough on his shot as it trickled comfortably wide.
However, the promise of an unlikely comeback from the visitors were dismissed six minutes into the second half as Sam Bell completed his hat trick after he and Pearson combined again.
With the result seemingly wrapped up, Joe White didn’t stop believing as he forced Casa-Grande into a smart low save to his left from a powerful shot.
White would test the goalkeeper again as his mishit cross spiralled towards goal, but this time Casa-Grande comfortably caught it.
City rang the changes as time ticked by with Harry Barclay next to go close for the Magpies but it didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.
One substitute Seb Palmer-Houlden could’ve added his name to the scoresheet on two separate occasions, but Brown stood in his way the first time and he dragged his effort wide on the other attempt.
In the dying embers of the game Sam Bell could’ve added a fourth if it wasn’t for Barclay’s last-ditch tackle and Zac Bell went close with a thundering drive that was cleared off the line.
The convincing manner of the victory saw Bristol City move to the top of the group with Newcastle subsequently sat at the bottom after the first round of games.
The Robins travel to play Sheffield United Under 21s next week with the Magpies hosting Crystal Palace Under 21s.
