James heroics not enough for Robins

Jason Roberts endeared himself to the Reading fans as his debut goal was enough to see off 10-man Bristol City 1-0, despite visiting goalkeeper David James saving two penalties.

Roberts, who arrived at the Madejski Stadium from Blackburn on Thursday, bundled home the rebound after James blocked his second-half spot-kick to put the Royals on course for three important npower Championship points.

City defender Louis Carey saw red for the visitors after bringing the forward down in the area to hand Roberts the chance from the spot.

Albert Adomah struck a post for the guests in the aftermath of Roberts' strike, but that was as close as City came to getting themselves back into the match.

Jobi McAnuff also missed a late penalty to put gloss on the victory after Tomasz Cywka was felled in the box, while Reading missed a hatful of chances in front of goal over the 90 minutes, with Jem Karacan, Noel Hunt and Michail Antonio all at fault.

Home keeper Adam Federici did well to deny Chris Wood and Stephen Pearson, and eventually it was left to Roberts to grab the headlines on his first appearance for his new club.