JOHNSON SALUTES TEN-STAR ROBINS
Diedhiou keeps City unbeaten run going
LEE Johnson hailed his Bristol City side’s grit and determination as they extended their unbeaten run to ten matches.
The only goal of a closely-fought game came after 12 minutes when Niclas Eliasson’s cross from the right found Famara Diedhiou unmarked to head home from eight yards.
City have not been beaten since the opening day of the season, but they were pushed all the way by a Reading side unlucky not to take a point on the balance of play.
Yakou Meite, in the first half, and substitute Luca Joao at the death, were denied by brilliant Dan Bentley saves as the visitors impressed going forward.
Johnson admitted: “It wasn’t a classic performance, but we have had a really draining week and, on the back of two tough away draws, I was really proud of the players.
“We needed to win after three draws on trot and, knowing the importance of that, the lads forgot to play at times.
“Dan Bentley was brilliant and came to our rescue at times, but every member of the team had to work really hard against a club who have spent lot and have some excellent individual players.”
Johnson also praised the contribution of experienced Wales defender Ashley Williams, describing him as a father figure to some of those around him.
“When Ashley came to us I assured him that if I thought his legs had gone I would tell him,” he said. “That certainly isn’t the case and he has been a leader for us.”
City made a bright start and, before Diedhiou’s goal, Callum O’Dowda got behind the Reading defence on the left and crossed for Weimann to head over.
But Reading responded well to falling behind. After 20 minutes the impressive Oviemuno Ejaria had a shot blocked and fired just wide from the rebound.
Five minutes later City were caught out by a long ball forward to Meite and were spared by goalkeeper Bentley, who spread himself to save one-onone.
City had two chances at the start of the second half, O’Dowda forcing a save from Rafael Cabral with a low drive and an Eliasson cross fizzing through the six-yard box with no teammate able to get a touch.
At the other end George Puscas turned Taylor Moore on the corner of the box, only to shoot wildly over.
Reading boss Jose Gomes said: “We have to start taking our chances. That is all it will take to improve results bereal cause, 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.
“Their goal was disappointing because we played with three centre-backs and had plans for dealing with Diedhiou and Weimann, who scored with a header in midweek.”