League One leaders Bristol City returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with an 3-0 victory over Peterborough United at London Road this evening.

Luke Freeman and Aaron Wilbraham both netted in the first 17 minutes for the Robins before the former added a third to confirm a fifth loss in six on Posh.

The hosts had prolific strike partnership Aaron McLean and Craig McKail-Smith back together for the first time in over four years after both rejoined the club on loan deals.

However, it was Bristol, whose 16-game unbeaten run from the start of the season was ended by successive defeats, who were peppering the goal in the early stages, and they took the lead after just 11 minutes.

Mark Little made a driving run forward from right-back and his cross was not dealt with by Christian Burgess, whose poor touch allowed Freeman to quickly turn and shoot beyond Ben Alnwick via a deflection.

Sloppy Peterborough defending also contributed to the second goal as Adam Smith allowed Joe Bryan to hang up a cross to the back post, which Wilbraham climbed high to meet for his 10th of the season.

It could easily have been three for the Robins prior to the break as Marlon Pack rattled the crossbar with a skilful effort which saw him set himself up for a 25-yard volley that had Alnwick panicking.

The Peterborough stopper was called upon to keep the gap at two from Bryan's low free kick on 48 minutes, but was beaten by another deflection just past the hour mark as Freeman made sure of the points.

City took a quick free kick, and the midfielder cut inside to fire a left-footed shot which clipped Gabriel Zakuani on its way into the bottom corner and condemned Peterborough to a sixth winless game.

Steve Cotterill's side are now four points clear of Swindon Town at the top, while Posh remain ninth.