BRISTOL CITY 2
Bryan (51), Paterson (54)
MIDDLESBROUGH 1
Magnusson (og, 75)
Two second-half goals in the space of three minutes set Bristol City on course to enhance their promotion credentials with victory over Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate.
The hosts went in front after 51 minutes when Bailey Wright’s deep cross from the right was headed in at the far post by Bryan, whose close range effort gave goalkeeper Darren Randolph no chance.
Before Boro had time to regroup, a breathtaking move out of defence, started by some clever ball skills from Korey Smith and carried on by Aden Flint, saw the big central defender cross for Jamie Paterson to hammer the ball home from 10 yards.
The visitors were given hope when Icelandic intenational Hordur Magnusson headed an innocuous ball past his own goalkeeper with 15 minutes remaining.
But Lee Johnson’s men held out few alarms, going close again when Josh Brownhill’s late drive brought a diving save from Randolph.
Boro created the first chance when Britt Assombalonga was given the benefit of a marginal offside decision, only to shoot over from 12 yards.
City’s first effort came five minutes later when top scorer Bobby Reid fired narrowly wide from Smith’s long ball.
The hosts were looking dangerous as Bryan’s shot from an angle on the left was deflected and scrambled to safety by Randolph.
City went close again when Marlon Pack’s shot from the edge of the box was touched on by Nathan Baker and cleared off the line.
City were looking the more likely to open the scoring and Paterson was narrowly wide with a 38th minute volley. Then Baker’s diving header from a Paterson cross was saved by Randolph.