Bermuda striker Nahki Wells made a strong contribution to Bristol City’s second successive win as his cross led to his side’s opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Robins claimed the bragging rights in the Severnside derby as Wells “ran his socks off” to help move the team up to seventh place.

Wells’ cross in the 41st-minute found Tommy Conway, who got in front of his marker to net his fourth goal of the season with a glancing header.

Rob Atkinson scored the second with a stooping header from Joe Williams’ 64th-minute free-kick to give Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson the ideal 59th birthday present at Ashton Gate.

“It was a good way to spend my birthday, a really hard-fought game,” Pearson said afterwards. “I’m pleased with a really good performance and a positive day for us.

“I don’t think we are a side that can sit back and absorb – we are much better when we press. It was a very honest performance,” Pearson added. “The team is developing an identity we can be proud of. I’m very happy with how we played, [and] it’s great to have good young players as part of it.”

Bristol City nearly made it 3-0 when Weimann netted from close range on 78 minutes, but was offside from Wells’s cross.

Victory moved Bristol City level with Cardiff on seven points, with the swing in goal difference putting Pearson’s side in seventh place, and the Bluebirds in 12th, The Guardian reported.

The Bristol Post gave Wells eight out of ten for the performance, saying he: “Played a key part in City's opener when his cross found the head of his strike partner who glanced it into the corner.

“Didn't get a glimpse of goal but take nothing away from his overall performance. Another lively cameo for the striker and ran his socks off.”