Finishing touch eludes Johnson

Gary Johnson has challenged his Bristol City players to be more ruthless ahead of Saturday's visit to Ashton Gate of rivals Reading.

Two goalless draws on the spin has left the Robins outside of the play-off zone and Johnson feels it is vital his players hit the ground running soon to make up for lost points.

Reading will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat at Burnley and Johnson has urged his players to get at the visitors from the first whistle to get back to winning ways.

Asked for his half-term report on City's progress so far this season, Johnson joked with the Evening Post: "Well, we're in eighth place so we're doing better than some but we can still catch up with the pupils at the top.

"The work rate's there. So, so far as them doing their homework and things, they are doing their work. Now all we need to do is add that finishing touch to be top of the class. A win against Reading will mean we've had a real good stint after the international break"