NICK Blackman scored a last minute winner as Reading beat Bristol City 1-0 in the Championship.

It was their first win in three games for new boss Brian McDermott after losses against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford over Christmas.

The home side should have had this game against the visiting Championship strugglers won by half-time, but Matej Vydra missed three glorious chances.

McDermott changed nearly half his starting line-up after their two recent defeats.

There were five changes in all as Ali Al Habsi, Jake Cooper, Andrew Taylor, Orlando Sa and Vydra all returned to the side.

Cooper replaced the suspended Michael Hector, while Jonathan Bond was dropped once again, with Al Habsi preferred in goal.

With Taylor back fit, it also allowed McDermott to push Stephen Quinn back into midfield which gave the team a better balance.

The hosts survived an early scare when City's Luke Freeman fired into the side netting with just 20 seconds.

The Royals then should have taken the lead after eight minutes, when Vydra missed a easy chance.

A clever pass from Quinn dropped nicely for the Czech ace, but he dragged his first-time effort wide with only Frank Fielding to beat.

City continued to pose problems and a low cross from Jonathan Kodjia was begging for a final touch as it flashed across the six yard box.

On the 16th minute mark, Vydra was guilty of missing another easy chance, when he was found unmarked at the back post by Oliver Norwood's corner.

The Royals striker put the ball over the bar from two yards out, when it looked easier to score.

Norwood went close himself with a 25-yard free-kick which flew inches wide.

On the half hour mark Reading were forced to make a change as skipper Paul McShane limped off and was replaced by Anton Ferdinand.

Just before the break, Vydra should have given the home side a half-time lead, but his shot from eight yards out lacked power, so it remained 0-0 at the break.

Reading continued to press after the interval as Danny Williams’ effort was blocked, Norwood then saw his shot fly over the bar and Vydra's header was saved.

City hit back as Elliott Bennett dragged a shot narrowly wide.

Garath McCleary gave Reading fresh ideas, after he was introduced 11 minutes after the break.

At the other end the lively Kodjia drilled an effort across the Reading goal, only for Taylor to clear the danger.

With eight minutes left on the clock a thunderbolt from City sub Bobby Reid struck Gunter in the box, but referee Darren Handley waved play on instead of awarding a penalty.

City put the ball in the net in the 90th minute through Kodjia, but the linesman's flag was raised for offside.

Seconds later Reading did score this proved to be the winning goal thanks to Blackman's brilliance.

McCleary picked him out with a raking pass and Blackman ran at City's defence and calmly slotted past Fielding into the far corner.

The victory was the ideal tonic for Reading who travel to Championship rivals Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.