City ride luck to forge on at top
Aaron Wilbraham headed his 15th goal of the season as Bristol City opened up an eight-point gap at the top with a 1-0 home victory over Rochdale.
The veteran striker lost his marker following Luke Freeman's 14th-minute corner to direct a powerful effort into the roof of the net from 10 yards.
From then on City had to defend solidly against impressive opponents, who would have taken at least a point with better finishing.
Rochdale had some excellent first-half chances, Peter Vincenti wasting the best when firing over after home goalkeeper Frank Fielding had saved Jamie Allen's shot.
It was the same story after the break, Vincenti forcing a flying save from Fielding with a header and volleying too close to the City keeper from another good opportunity.
City were also relieved to see Ian Henderson's looping header just clear the crossbar in injury time as they held on for three more precious points without being anywhere near their best.
Source: PA
