HALF-TIME: Bristol City 2, Barnsley 0

Having spent much of the previous two games at Cardiff and Crystal Palace defending against superior opponents, City were required to start on the front foot at Ashton Gate.

And that is exactly what they did, Jon Stead offering the home side early encouragement when heading Liam Kelly's cross over the bar.

Stead then had appeals for a penalty turned down, Reds centre-back Stephen Foster appearing to pull him back on the edge of the six-yard box, only for referee Scott Mathieson to dismiss vehement City protests.

Already established as an attacking fulcrum, Stead tested Barnsley keeper Luke Steele with a low shot that was gathered at the second attempt and then had another effort blocked when a pass to Stephen Pearson might have yielded more tangible dividends.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

In confident mood after six straight wins, the visitors also posed a threat going forward and newcomer Ryan Tunnicliffe, signed on loan from Manchester United on Friday, almost made a good first impression with a drive that drew a good save from Heaton.

City's keeper again had to be at his best to parry a powerful shot from Rory Delap after burly striker Marlon Harewood had shrugged off the attentions of three red-shirted defenders to set-up the former Stoke midfielder.

But the Robins were well and truly in the ascendant and the impressive Stead put them in front in the 16th minute. Paul Anderson swung over a corner from the left, Marvin Elliott nodded the ball towards goal and the much-travelled striker demonstrated strong neck muscles to power the ball beyond Steele from six yards out to register his fourth goal of the season.

Barnsley players were furious, believing Stead had fouled Foster before guiding his header into the top corner.

The Yorkshire side were still rattled when Stead again stole in behind their three-man defence and delivered a low cross that eluded the in-rushing Steven Davies by inches.

City had Heaton to thank for protecting their lead, the former Manchester United keeper displaying startling reactions to tip over Martin Cranie's bullet header.

Having conceded three goals from dead ball situations in the previous two games, it was City's turn to profit  from set-piece routines on this occasion.

Anderson and Pearson worked a short corner and right-back Brendan Moloney played a brilliant ball towards the far post where Liam Fontaine timed his arrival to perfection to ram the ball past Steele from an acute angle.

It was the central defender's first goal of the season and it afforded his team crucial breathing space approaching half time.

Barnsley boss David Flitcroft made a change almost immediately, sacrificing Foster, introducing attacking midfielder Chris O'Grady and switching to a flat back four.