By Marcel Dudek
Bristol City were left frustrated by Hull City at Ashton Gate after failing to capitalise on Joao Pedro’s early red card.
Just 97 seconds after giving the Tigers a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot, the Italian was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Bristol’s George Tanner.
And while the Robins did claim a second-half equaliser through Anis Mehmeti, they were unable to find a winner which would have boosted their play-off hopes.
Hull had the early initiative, and quickly turned this into a lead.
Abu Kamara played a great ball to Hull’s top-scorer Pedro who expertly created space and slotted past Max O’Leary.
But Pedro went from hero to zero with his two-footed tackle on Tanner. As soon as he departed, it was the hosts who seized the initiative.
Scott Twine was the main danger, testing Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur on countless occasions. Striker Sinclair Armstrong also sent two great chances over the bar with his head.
The Bristol onslaught continued in the second half, and the constant pressure caused Alfie Jones to bring down Armstrong in the box for the penalty.
Mehmeti confidently tucked it away and the chances kept coming for the home side – but so did great saves from Pandur.
But Bristol were unable to force a breakthrough, leaving them two points off a play-off spot.
They visit second-placed Sheffield United on Tuesday night.