Goals from Nick Blackman and Garath McCleary gave Reading a 2-0 win over struggling Bristol City at Ashton Gate this afternoon.

Blackman gave the visiting Royals the lead inside the first 10 minutes when he fired a powerful effort past Frank Fielding for his sixth goal of the campaign.

McCleary, who was making his first start of the campaign, made it 2-0 shortly after when he struck a long-range effort past Fielding after the home side had backed off the winger.

After the break, Oliver Norwood almost scored from all of 50 yards, but his audacious attempt dropped just wide.

Chris Gunter's run from deep almost ended with a goal, but the Welshman was thwarted by Derrick Williams who denied the right-back from a tight angle.

Matej Vydra almost had his first Reading goal on 70 minutes, but Fielding did well to get down to keep the striker's effort out.

The victory moves the Royals into the playoff places in the Championship table.