Reading 3-1 Bristol City: impressive Royals fire promotion rivals

Reading ended a five-game winless streak with an impressive win against all six of Bristol City’s rivals.

Nahki Wells tied with just City’s second goal attempt, attacking a loose ball from a free kick and tucking the ball under Rafael Cabral.

But their parity was short-lived when Michael Olise’s superbly weighted pass sent Yakou Meite clear to pass Bentley before Lucas Joao sealed the points from close range after another quick counterattack.

The Royals got full point value, which pushed them up to third place, and would have won by a greater margin without a series of big saves from Bentley.

They showed almost all attacking intent in a cautious first half, with Bentley brilliantly deflecting Meite’s shot on the spin and then turning over a long-distance effort from Joao.

Bentley again denied Meite moments before City’s streak of three clean sheets came to an end, then magnificently ripped through Tom Holmes’ powerful header from the top corner to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead.

Meite was cleared but saw his effort saved before Michael Morrison kicked into the fresh air when he was selected unmarked from four yards as Reading continued to dominate at 1-0. It seemed like a decisive failure when Wells tied despite strong offside claims.

But Meite and Joao struck to consign City to a first loss in five games, and Meite also went wide with the goal wide open after a deflected effort hit the crossbar.

In addition to an impressive display of attack, Royals boss Veljko Paunovic will be happy to limit the threat from the Robins, having conceded 16 goals in his previous six games.