Bristol City 3-1 Port Vale

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has scored six goals in his last eight games for Bristol City

Bristol City moved four points clear at the top of League One with a comfortable victory over Port Vale.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas put City ahead in the first half when he fired in off the underside of the bar from 25 yards out.

Joe Bryan's shot deflected off Freddie Veseli and looped over Chris Neal for 2-0 and Matt Smith capitalised on a poor back-pass to slot home the third.

Mark Marshall grabbed a consolation for Vale on 77 minutes with a low shot under goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

The visitors had a late flurry of chances, with Aden Flint having to clear off the line from Michael O'Connor, but City held out.

Steve Cotterill's side have now gone seven games unbeaten in the league and have a five-point cushion in the automatic promotion spots.

Port Vale dropped to 16th but are only six points off the play-offs in a congested table.

Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill told BBC Radio Bristol:

"At times we played some very good football and at other times we were a bit sloppy.

"We were disappointed to concede a goal. At 3-0 we switched off a little bit.

"I knew this sort of performance would happen tonight, after MK Dons.

"After every big game it's difficult to get the lads back up. But I'm really pleased with the way we manoeuvred our way to three points."