Bristol City grabbed their first win in four games thanks to defender Jamie McCombe's late winner as goal-shy Norwich's struggles continued.

Norwich made a bright start and Matthew Pattison, returning from injury, had an early shot well blocked Liam Fontaine.

Pattison let fly from range in the second-half but failed to hit the target before the home side scored.

With 15 minutes left, McCombe tucked in Jamie McAllister's free-kick from six yards to give the Robins three points.

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"We played down the significance of winning before the game, but it was hugely important.

"The result has us looking upwards towards the top six again when if we had lost we might have been something like 18th.

"That shows how important winning is at this stage of the season with the table so tight."

"The goal was an absolute stinker from our point of view. It was a long ball straight down the middle, a tactic Bristol use well.

"We dealt with it all afternoon except for that one occasion and it cost us the game.

"The lads put in one hell of a shift, but we are not taking our chances when on top."

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, McCombe, Fontaine, McAllister, Williams (Maynard 63), Elliott, Johnson (Wilson 88), McIndoe, Trundle, Adebola (Sproule 77).
Subs Not Used: Weale, Webster.

Booked: Orr, Maynard.

Goals: McCombe 75.

Norwich: Marshall, Omozusi, Drury (Doherty 43), Kennedy, Bertrand, Croft (Bell 84), Clingan, Russell, Pattison, Sibierski (Fotheringham 36), Lita.
Subs Not Used: Nelson, Lupoli.

Booked: Bertrand, Russell.

Att: 16,791

Ref: Andy Hall (W Midlands).

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