Bristol City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Marlon Pack's goal was just his second in the Championship for Bristol City this season

Bristol City earned back-to-back victories to stay four points clear of the Championship relegation zone with a win over QPR at Ashton Gate.

Marlon Pack put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, smashing in the loose ball from 12 yards following a corner.

Jamie Paterson made it 2-0 in the 40th minute before Idrissa Sylla scored a consolation in injury time.

City started the game a place above the relegation zone but climb to 18th, just three points behind QPR in 16th.

Lee Johnson's side could have been further clear of danger if not for Wigan's dramatic win on Thursday and Blackburn's win at Nottingham Forest.

City have now won four of their last six games, having previous triumphed just once in 17 league games before that run.

They have also won three successive home games for the first time since October and are seemingly timing their escape from relegation danger perfectly with four games remaining.

City were much the better team in the first half and deservedly led when Matty Taylor diverted a corner towards Pack who made no mistake with a fierce right-footed strike.

Taylor also set up the second, with his excellent through ball allowing Paterson to beat the offside trap and double the lead.

QPR improved significantly in the second half but Frank Fielding crucially produced a fine reflex save to deny Yeni N'Gbakoto moments after the break.

Ian Holloway's side did end a run of three away games without a goal, but Sylla's close-range finish was too late to affect the result.

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson:

"I thought the attitude of all my players was first class. We won the battles and deservedly took the points.

"Nothing is decided yet, but I know my team and I have a good feeling about where they are at the moment.

"Nothing is settled yet and we have a hugely important match at Blackburn on Monday.

"We will go there to win the game, even though a point would not be a bad outcome."

QPR manager Ian Holloway:

"I like my teams to represent my character and I have never gone down with a whimper in my life.

"Some of the things I saw in the second half were incredible. When you are 2-0 down and you get a free-kick surely you run to the ball and take it as quickly as possible.

"Twice we allowed City players to pick the ball up and walk backwards with it. One got booked for time-wasting and the other didn't, but where was the fight from my players?

"City didn't even have to work for their goals. We need another win to be safe and we have been trying to get it for four games now."