‘Top display... Aggressive...’ - Bristol City player ratings as two key men stand out in dramatic Reading draw

Tommy Conway’s first-half strike wasn’t enough for Bristol City as a second-half Lucas Joao header saw Reading earn a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate.

The Scotsman fired home a left-footed shot moments before halftime on his first league appearance since New Year’s Day, as Yakou Meite came the closest for the visitors in the first period.

Joe Lumley got down well to prevent Anis Mehmeti from extending the Robins’ lead in the second half, and Joao’s header from a set piece evaded Max O’Leary as the game ended all square.

Nigel Pearson’s remain in 14th, while the Royals also stay in 18th place - with a six-point deduction looming.

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 7

Got caught in no man’s land for the equalising goal, but generally did well in coming for crosses against a big, aggressive side and showed positive distribution with the ball.

George Tanner – 8

Got forward more than usual and put in some excellent crosses from the right-hand side. Made the pass from the edge of the area for Conway’s opener and was tenacious when out of possession. Top display.

Zak Vyner – 6

Was beaten with Tyrese Fornah’s ball over the top for Meite’s golden opportunity and the French-Ivorian striker got the better of Vyner out wide later in the first half, but the defender responded well and made a vital clearance to deny Meite minutes before Conway’s opener.

Cam Pring – 7

Was assured playing out of position again up against two physical strikers, aggressive when needed and reliable on the ball.

Jay Dasilva – 6

Got forward well down the left flank and linked up well with Mehmeti, another well-rounded performance.

Matty James – 6

Kept the play flowing in the middle of the park, often went unnoticed but was an important figure. Went off injured late on which will be a worry. Booked.

Omar Taylor Clarke – 7

Looked composed in the middle of the park and continues to take senior football in his stride. Booked.

Andi Weimann – 6

Was aggressive down the right-hand side. Hit a good volley in the first half that was cleared by Andy Carroll but lacked end product with some of his crosses.

Tommy Conway – 7

Took his goal well with a quick left-footed finish past Lumley and looked sharp on his return from injury. Played 60 minutes in the no.10 role and was a threat.

Nahki Wells – 7

Was dangerous all match and caused Joe Lumley to rush out of his area a few times. Always full of running and an important cog in the City machine.

Anis Mehmeti – 7

Showed some moments of quality and had a sublime first touch from a Cam Pring diagonal pass, before he slid a good through ball to Wells. Was in and out of the game a little. Booked.

Andy King (subbed on for Taylor-Clarke, 59’) – 6

Came on to control the tempo of the match but couldn’t effectively.

Harry Cornick (subbed on for Conway, 59’) – 6

Put himself about up top but couldn’t link up with Wells.

Sam Bell (subbed on for James, 88’) - N/A