A 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday means we go into the autumn international break in fine fettle, just two points off league leaders West Brom and second-placed Nottingham Forest, writes Will Collins.

The top of the Championship remains extremely tight with just three points separating the top nine. The division consistently delivers in terms of competitiveness where, in my opinion, the Premier League fails. It’s a truly great division to be a part of.

Saturday’s game against Reading won’t go down as a classic, however both teams showed plenty of endeavour and commitment at the tail end of a busy schedule. City’s form away from Ashton Gate isn’t in doubt but it was failing to win games against lower placed teams like Reading last season that ultimately cost us a play-off place.

So, this was a welcome victory that was ultimately decided by Diedhiou’s header in the 12th minute. The build-up to the goal was impressive with a total of 18 passes before Eliasson whipped in a dangerous cross from the right that was met by the Senegalese striker who powered the ball past Cabral Barbosa in the Royals goal.

City continued to look dangerous throughout the first half and really should’ve got a second goal before half-time that would have killed the game. Diedhiou and Massengo both had good opportunities to double City’s lead but couldn’t quite retain their composure in front of goal.

In the second half there was no doubt Reading were the better team as City tired. Bentley in the City goal made a couple of important saves. He is proving to have been an excellent summer acquisition from Brentford. In the closing minutes of the game he showed superb reactions to tip away a fierce strike from Lucas Boyé. Palmer should have made it 2-0 in the last minute when he shot straight at Cabral Barbosa but it didn’t matter as City held out for an important confidence-boosting win.