Bristol City’s poor home form continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by basement side Peterborough United, leaving them 19th in the Championship table.
Former Bristol Rovers striker Jonson Clarke-Harris equalised for ten-man Posh, who had Joe Ward sent off after Rob Atkinson had given the Robins the lead with a header in the first half.
The best early opportunity came to City, as Jay Dasilva’s cross-turned shot was almost stretched home by Nahki Wells, but the forward agonisingly could not direct it home.
City are now without a home win in four matches and have won just four of their last ten league matches and were booed off by their fans at the full-time whistle.
It was a fairly subdued atmosphere at kick-off Ashton Gate as Peterborough were allowed possession and City almost regretted that as after a nice flowing move, Joe Ward’s shot just outside the box hit the post.
Another shot then followed minutes later from Sammie Szmodics who had a six-month spell at Ashton Gate, and he forced Bentley into action.
Against the run of play, the hosts took the lead as a quickly taken corner was crossed in by Dasilva into Atkinson and he guided his header past David Cornell.
Before the hour mark, City had already used two substitutions with Zak Vyner and Han-Noah Massengo on for Robbie Cundy and Joe Williams.
They were then boosted by a red card for Peterborough with Joe Ward given a straight dismissal as he slid on Andi Weimann. From the resulting free-kick, Chris Martin could only blaze over the bar.
Despite the dismissal, the visitors levelled proceedings. Clarke-Harris showed his composure to tap home after City failed to clear their lines in a congested penalty box.
There were opportunities to restore the lead, first with Klose heading over from close range before Massengo forced Cornell to tip his shot over the bar but ultimately, the Robins could not find a second goal.
The heroes
Rob Atkinson: Two goals in two games for the cenre-back who is now just one short of his tally at Oxford United.
Jay Dasilva: Back on the left-hand side and that is where he can inflence games. Got an assist for Atkinson’s goal and defended well down his flank.
Sammie Szmodics: Received a round of applause from the home fans. Caused some problems in the first half.
The villains
Jonson Clarke-Harris: It wasn’t the warmest reception for the Posh captain, who was booed for his connections with Bristol Rovers. There were some links with him moving to City in January, but they obviously didn’t materialise. Scored the equaliser and celebrated on his own in front of the City fans to goad them. Teammates had other ideas.
David Cornell: The Peterborough goalkeeper did not look the most composed. Missed a few punches and was uncomfortable with pass backs.
Joe Ward: From possibly a hero to a hero. Hit the post in the first-half but then in the second, was sent off for a last ditch challenge on Weimann.
1. Alex Scott - 6
Started at wing-back but then moved into the centre after half-time. Didn’t dazzle like he usually does. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
2. (Off, 46), Robbie Cundy - 6
Substituted at half-time. Was a bit nervy and edgy when dealing with one-on-ones. Slipped a few times. Photo: Cameron Smith/Getty Images
3. Rob Atkinson - 7
Scored his second goal in as many games. Being a threat in the box would be a good layer to add to his game. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
4. Timm Klose - 6
Missed a glorious chance to restore Bristol City’s lead with a close-ranged header. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images