CITY eased into the next round of the EFL Trophy as Tyler Smith’s hat-trick, all in the first half, saw off Manchester City’s bright young kids.

T&A chief sports writer SIMON PARKER was at a soggy Valley Parade last night and provides his player ratings.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Tyler Smith has had a slow start at Valley Parade with limited opportunities. But he seized his chance on the low-key stage last night with a first-half treble to remind City’s next manager that he is around.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Tyler Smith had just been denied his hat-trick by keeper George Murray-Jones when he struck from the resulting corner. It was the first time a City player had scored three in one half since Andy Cook against Stevenage in August 2021.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Having effectively wrapped up the win by the break, City could have gone on for more in the second half but did not create too much from that point.

TACTICS

Kevin McDonald made 10 changes for his final game in charge as caretaker boss. Captain Richie Smallwood was the only survivor from the 11 that started against Sutton.

Teenage midfielder Freddy Jeffreys made his full senior debut playing alongside Smallwood, while Harry Chapman started for the first time since going off injured at Swindon in April.

Chapman played in the central role of the three behind striker Tyler Smith.

On-loan Norwich centre half Jon Tomkinson also got a first start after two months at the club.

REFEREE: Ben Toner (Lancashire)

BOOKINGS: Chapman, Doyle (City)

ATTENDANCE: 1,750

PLAYER RATINGS

CITY: Doyle 7, Oyegoke 7, Tomkinson 7, Kelly 7 (Taylor 84min), Richards 7, Smallwood 7 (Gilliead 84min), Jeffreys 6 (Wilson 64min, 6), Tulloch 6, Afoka 6, Chapman 7 (Pointon 46min, 6), Smith 8 (Oduor 84min). Subs (not used): Halliday, Lewis.

MAN CITY: Murray-Jones 5, Galvez 7, Alleyne 6, Simpson-Pusey 6, Samuel 6, Wright 6 (Susoho 62min, 6), Taylor 6 (Alfa-Ruprecht 36min, 7), Heskey 7, Hamilton 6 (Adam 69min), Henderson-Hall 6, Dickson 6. Subs (not used): Carrington, Grant, Warhurst, Oboavwoduo.