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Blackburn scored twice in the second half to defeat 10-man Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

On-loan Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker was sent off for a second booking shortly after half-time.

And Grant Hanley netted 10 minutes later as he volleyed in from close range after Shane Duffy's knockdown.

Rovers sealed their second win under Paul Lambert late on when Ben Marshall scored from the penalty spot after Aden Flint brought down Markus Olsson.

The win lifted Blackburn to 13th in the Championship, while City were left above of the relegation places on goal difference only.

Steve Cotterill's side failed to cause major problems for Blackburn's defence, with Bobby Reid's early strike forcing the only serious save from Jason Steele.

Baker then collected a yellow card for a foul and was lucky to escape when he subsequently brought down Jordan Rhodes.

City's Frank Fielding made a great stop from Duffy in the first half, with Luke Ayling clearing Hope Akpan's rebound off the line.

Baker erred once too often for referee Geoff Eltringham's liking following the interval and was dismissed following a bodycheck challenge. Blackburn took control from that point onwards.

Following Hanley's opener, Elliott Bennett had a close-range shot deflected wide for the home side before Marshall converted the late spot kick to seal the three points.

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Lambert:

"I thought my team were excellent from start to finish.

"Do I think we need more players in January? Absolutely. We need to be stronger, but we can't go crazy.

"There is a really good feeling at the club at the moment and we'll do all we can to keep creeping up the table.

"The problem we have is tempering expectation levels. It is a great football club and the good news during the week that the embargo has been lifted gave everyone a lift."

Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill:

"The one awarded to Blackburn at the end was never a penalty in a million years. Their player has taken an extra stride before going down and Aden Flint never touched him.

"That is four penalties awarded against us, without us getting one, and none of them have been fouls.

"The sending-off is our fault and I am not defending Nathan Baker over it. We just want the rub of the green occasionally with decisions."