Nick Blackman and Garath McCleary fire Reading to victory at Bristol CityEarly goals from Nick Blackman and Garath McCleary set Reading on a course to a comfortable 2-0 Sky Bet Championship victory over struggling Bristol City at Ashton Gate.Striker Blackman netted with a left-footed shot from inside the box on nine minutes, his effort taking a slight deflection to beat Frank Fielding after he cut inside to reach a Danny Williams pass.The City goalkeeper should have done better four minutes later when beaten from 30 yards by a low drive from right midfielder McCleary, given time and space to shoot.The hosts looked like a team bereft of confidence in the first half and managed just one effort at goal when Jonathan Kodjia's shot from an angle was blocked for a corner.At the other end Aden Flint had to make an early last-ditch clearance when Stephen Quinn headed a cross from Matej Vydra back across goal at the far post.Reading's midfielders were given far too much space by a City team who are becoming known for being vulnerable when counter-attacked.The home crowd took out their anger on referee Stephen Martin and Flint picked up a 26th-minute caution as his frustration boiled over.City boss Steve Cotterill made a half-time substitution, sending on Wes Burns for Liam Moore, a move which meant Luke Ayling switched from wing-back to the right of the back-three.And it was not long before a second substitution was made, Bobby Reid replacing Marlon Pack in the centre of midfield.It made little difference as Reading remained strong at the back and lively on the break during a second half that was something of a non-event.The visitors were content to keep their shape and snuff out a series of predictable attacks from their opponents.There were 76 minutes on the clock before City managed a shot on targetThen Kodjia's tame volley was comfortably held by Jonathan Bond.Reading would have won more comfortably had Blackman not shot over from a good late chance, but there was still plenty for manager Steve Clarke to enthuse over in a highly competent performance.Kodjia hit a post from point-blank range in the dying minutes from a fierce cross-cum-shot by third substitute Kieran Agard, but it would have merely been a consolation.Reid's presence added some impetus for the home side, but they have taken only one point from a possible 12 at home since winning promotion last season
Source : PA
Source: PA