Two-goal Rob Atkinson the unlikely Bristol City hero

Defender Rob Atkinson was Bristol City's unlikely two-goal hero in a 2-1 Sky Bet Championship victory over Preston at Ashton Gate.

The home side took a 54th-minute lead when Zak Vyner glanced on a Mark Sykes cross and centre-back Atkinson netted with a powerful header.

But North End drew level eight minutes from time, Andrew Hughes driving the ball through a crowded six-yard box after City failed to clear a Robbie Brady free-kick.

The winner came at the start of stoppage time when Alex Scott's left-wing corner found the head of Atkinson, who powered the ball home from close range.

City boss Nigel Pearson had sprung a surprise by dropping experienced goalkeeper Dan Bentley to the bench and bringing in Max O'Leary.

His side made a fast start, with Antoine Semenyo's second-minute shot being blocked for a corner with Preston under heavy early pressure.

The visitors spent much of the opening 20 minutes on the back foot, but City could not find a telling final pass to create a clear opening.

As Preston grew into the game, O'Leary had to make his first save after 25 minutes, diving at the feet of Sean Maguire as he ran onto a Daniel Johnson through ball.

Semenyo tricked his way past Liam Lindsay on the half hour, only to be halted by a foul that earned the Preston defender a yellow card.

The bookings count was quickly evened up as Jay Dasilva was cautioned for a sliding challenge on Ali McCann.

Maguire volleyed high and wide from distance as both sides struggled to put incisive moves together in a disjointed first half.

City did carve out a chance on the break two minutes before half-time when Tommy Conway ran onto a Semenyo pass, but his tame shot was comfortably gathered by Freddie Woodman.

Dasilva and Atkinson shot over for City as a