Bristol City moved into the Championship play-off places with a 1-0 victory over depleted Watford at Ashton Gate. Dominic Ballard's first-half header was enough for all three points for the Robins, steering a backwards header in from Rio Cardines' cross.

The win was much-needed for Michael Skubala's side after back-to-back defeats. Bristol City now rise to fifth in the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's action. Watford, injury-ravaged under Alessio Dionisi, remain in the bottom half with just a point on the road all season.

Ballard nearly opened scoring early but Knight headed wide. Watford had chances through Kjerrumgaard and Nabizada. Atkinson had a penalty shout denied despite replays showing Doumbia caught him before the ball. The breakthrough came on 31 minutes when Cardines whipped in his sixth assist of the season and Ballard rose to steer a header into the corner. Tolaj later lashed over and Boadu had a late penalty shout ignored.

Skubala praised Ballard's movement and resilience after seven changes to the lineup. Dionisi noted the difficulty of fielding a depleted squad.