Nahki Wells returned to haunt former club Queens Park Rangers, playing a pivotal role as Bristol City came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium yesterday.

Wells, who scored 24 goals for QPR during two loan spells before a £5 million move to City from Burnley in January, levelled the scores and then turned provider for what proved to be the winner.

In a frantic start to proceedings, Lyndon Dykes headed wide for QPR and Bright Osayi-Samuel forced a good save from Daniel Bentley when through one-on-one, while Adam Nagy shot wide for City after good play in the opposition area.

Rob Dickie's powerful, close-range header from an excellent Chris Willock cross put the home side ahead in a dominant half in which they spurned a series of good chances.

The impressive Osayi-Samuel forced another save from Bentley, while Nagy deflected Tom Carroll's shot over the bar and Jay Dasilva cleared a Willock effort off the line — all before the half-hour mark.

QPR were made to rue their profligacy five minutes before the interval when Wells equalised against the run of play, tapping in Callum O’Dowda’s deflected cross from close range.

Scotland striker Dykes had another effort to put QPR back in front shortly after the restart, before the visiting side struck in the 50th minute, as Wells teed up Hungary midfielder Nagy to fire smartly past Seny Dieng.

It might have been a less tense finish for Dean Holden's side had Nagy not put a good chance over the bar with 20 minutes left, while Wells also came agonisingly close to doubling his tally five minutes from time. But his curling free kick clipped the outside of a post.

At the other end, Macauley Bonne shot wide and Osayi-Samuel missed a good chance in stoppage time as City held on for three points.

The victory lifted City to third in Sky Bet Championship, level on points with second-placed Bournemouth and a point adrift of leaders Norwich, having played a game more.