Nahki Wells marked his first league start for Bristol City this season with his first goal in the Sky Bet Championship, taking just five minutes to open the scoring at Ashton Gate against Luton Town in a 2-0 win.

Wells, who started and set up two goals in a 4-1 win over Coventry City in the Carabao Cup last week, was given a rare start by manager Nigel Pearson and responded by scoring with a low shot that went in off the inside of a post after being played through by Alex Scott.

The goal eased City’s early nerves and sent them on their way to a first league win of the season. City, who were bottom of the standings going into the match with a draw and two losses, added a second goal from Tommy Conway in the 27th minute.

In the second half, Wells continued to be a threat, having a header from close range blocked after earlier setting up Andreas Welmann with a chance that was put over the crossbar.

Wells was then booked in the 61st minute for a foul as City looked to extend their lead. They were reduced to ten men when midfielder Mark Sykes was given a straight red card for a foul in the 67th minute.

After that City made a double substitution in the 76th minute, taking off scorers Wells and Conway, and replacing them with Chris Martin and Joe Williams. City climbed to fourteenth in the standings with the result.

Luton, still without a win from four games, dropped to second from bottom in the 24-team division.

• Bermuda midfielder Willie Clemons netted for Braintree Town as they defeated Hemel Hempstead Town 3-1 in the Vanarama National League South.

Clemons, starting for the first time after his close-season move from Stowmarket Town, killed off the game with the third goal in the 68th minute.

Aaron Blair, who opened the scoring for Braintree in the 32nd minute, put the home side ahead to stay five minutes after the interval to quash any enthusiasm Hemel Hempstead may have engendered from Ogo Obi’s 44th-minute equaliser.

In National League North, Kole Hall’s Chester were beaten 1-0 at home by Hereford FC, going down to an 83rd-minute goal by Luke Haines.