Bristol City 1-0 Reading: Famara Diedhiou winner keeps pressure on Jose Gomes
- Published
Bristol City forward Famara Diedhiou scored his first Ashton Gate goal since February
Famara Diedhiou scored the only goal as Bristol City stretched their unbeaten run in the Championship to 10 games with an unconvincing victory over Reading.
Diedhiou's diving header from a trademark curling Niclas Eliasson cross was enough to move Lee Johnson's side into the play-off places.
But the Robins had to withstand long periods of heavy Reading pressure after half-time, with George Puscas wasting their best opportunity when he failed to control Ovie Ejaria's ball into the six-yard box.
Before that, Yakou Meite was denied by Daniel Bentley when through on goal, and the home keeper also made a fine save to turn Lucas Boye's late shot around the post.
The Royals have slipped into the relegation zone on goal difference and are now winless in six Championship matches, but this was a much-improved showing from Jose Gomes' men.
After battling to a credible draw at high-flying Swansea City on 28 September, they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Fulham on Tuesday, albeit having had midfielder John Swift sent off in the first half.
They may have feared a similar outcome at Ashton Gate when Diedhiou capped a dominant first 12 minutes from Bristol City with the opening goal.
But, led by the impressive Meite, it was the visitors who controlled much of the second half - though they were unable to force a leveller despite numerous balls into the box and goalmouth scrambles.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol:
"I thought we started really brightly and controlled the game. In the second half, we were nervy. When they go a goal down, Reading have a manager who throws caution to the wind, and fatigue set in.
"Overall, I'm delighted with the clean sheet. The two centre-halves were outstanding, and we worked our socks off.
"That was a very young side today, and I was very proud of the young pups and how they played."
Reading boss Jose Gomes:
"We have to start taking our chances. That is all it will take to improve results because again the performance was good.
"We had a good opportunity alone on the goalkeeper in the first half and when you don't score in those situations it is difficult.
"I felt we were the better team in the second half, but again we have not made the most of our opportunities."