Bristol City 2-1 Ipswich: Lee Johnson wins first Bristol City game

Aden Flint recovered his scoring form with a double as Bristol City marked Lee Johnson's first game as head coach with a 2-1 win over Ipswich at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.

The big central defender, who netted 15 goals last season to help secure promotion from Sky Bet League One, went into the game with only two to his credit this term.

But two almost identical strikes from Luke Freeman corners put City 2-0 up at the break before Ipswich substitute Brett Pitman reduced the arrears on 61 minutes with a low left-footed finish from Daryl Murphy's pass.

Johnson received a rousing ovation from home fans when making his way to the dug-out and was soon witnessing a rousing display.

City could have been further ahead at the break. With the scores still level, Ipswich goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski produced one of the saves of the season.

Korey Smith's shot from just outside the box on 16 minutes took a wicked deflection and Bialkowski showed breathtaking reactions to dive to his left and palm the ball over the crossbar.

But Flint broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, rising at the near post to head home Freeman's corner from the right, the ball going in off the upright.

And Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy must have been tearing his hair out 15 minutes later when Freeman delivered another inswinging corner for Flint to double the advantage with another glancing header at the near post.

Freddie Sears had the first effort on goal for the visitors on 24 minutes, but his shot from distance passed harmlessly wide.

At the other end Smith shot inches wide with his right foot before City keeper Richard O'Donnell fired a clearance straight at Ainsley Maitland-Niles and was relieved to see the ball rebound wide and just out of play.

Marlon Pack shot wide from another good City chance as, with Lee Tomlin playing a prominent role, the hosts produced some sparkling attacking play.

Ipswich sent on former City striker Pitman for midfielder Maitland-Niles on 53 minutes, but still it was the home side threatening as Jonathan Kodjia's shot was deflected over.

The action quickly switched to the other end with Daryl Murphy in behind the home defence. O'Donnell saved his fierce shot, diving to his right.

Murphy was denied by another fine O'Donnell save, which kept out his header from six yards, but moments later Pitman put Ipswich back in the game.

Johnson responded by replacing his strike-force on 65 minutes, sending on Aaron Wilbraham and Kieran Agard for Kodjia and Tomlin.

Bialkowski saved well from Agard and Smith shot inches wide as City continued to press.

Tommy Smith twice went close for Ipswich in the closing stages with a long-range shot and header from a free-kick, both just wide.