Bristol City extended their unbeaten Championship record to five matches with a battling performance against arch rivals Cardiff at a packed Ninian Park.

The Anglo-Welsh rivals cancelled each other out in an entertaining derby encounter which concluded with honours even.

City were forced onto the back foot from the outset as Cardiff began like a house on fire.

Welsh international Joe Ledley fired over, Liam Fontaine threw himself in the way of Gavin Rae's drive, and Adriano Basso had to rush form his line to deny Jay Bothroyd.

The visitors rode out that particular storm but it was Cardiff who had the momentum and the dangerous Ledley unleashed a venemous shot which flew inches wide, while Paul Parry sent a looping header over from 12 yards.

City were forced into a change on 25 minutes, Brian Wilson limping off to be replaced by Gavin Williams.

And having been forced to soak up relentless pressure the Robins almost went ahead six minutes before half-time, Nicky Maynard's shot grazing the cross bar.

Maynard again went close seven minutes into the second half, shrugging off Miguel Comminges and forcing on-loan keeper Tom Heaton into a finger tip save.

Stung into a response, the Bluebirds forced two corners in quick succession and again tested Basso, who proved equal to Peter Whittingham's volley from the edge of the 18-yard box.

City were now matching their rivals blow for blow. And Williams twice went close, once when his lob narrowly cleared the bar and again when Darren Purse blocked his goal bound shot.

Bradley Orr then sent a header just wide and Williams, substitute Steve Brooker and Cole Skuse all went close as City pressed forward in search of a winner.

But it was Cardiff who came closer to breaking the deadlock, Whittingham forcing Basso into an athletic two-handed save in the closing stages as the match finished goalless.