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Nahki Wells’ penalty was enough for Bristol City to beat Hull and move past their opponents in the table.

But they needed a shot from the penalty spot to bring Hull down, and Wells converted after Mehmeti’s cross was handled 20 minutes from time – the hosts’ second penalty in two games after going 469 days without one.

Hull nearly snatched a point from him when substitute Benjamin Tetteh’s header hit a post.

The visitors made their debut for goalkeeper Karl Darlow, on loan from Newcastle, and he made an immediate contribution, frustrating Sykes after Mehmeti set him up in the first minute.

George Tanner also came close for Bristol City, but the Tigers gradually began to create their own chances as Oscar Estupinan’s shot wide and Cyrus Christie’s attempt was brought down.

The dangerous Mehmeti came close to breaking the tie in first-half stoppage time after catching a cross from Sykes, but his effort was blocked and the Robins continued to press after half-time to score the opener.

Mehmeti and Sykes had more stifled attempts, while the latter cut in from the right to send a shot wide of the target.

The breakthrough finally came when Christie was penalized for handball with 20 minutes remaining and Wells scored his 12th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Hull responded well, with Max O’Leary denying Ryan Longman at the far post before fellow substitute Tetteh hit the woodwork.

But Nigel Pearson’s side held on to secure the points, lifting them to 13th in the table while Hull dropped to 16th.

Bristol City Manager Nigel Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol:

“In the first half we had a lot of situations that looked promising without finding the final product. Perseverance sometimes pays off and we put even more pressure on them in the second half.”

“We were doing our best to keep the pressure on them, but you always felt you needed to be patient. I’m really glad we were able to find a way to get all three points.”

“Regardless of who starts the game, there’s confidence that when we look to the bench to make changes, we don’t feel like we’re ever going to weaken and it’s nice to have real options.”

“I thought all the subs that went on had a good impact on the game and we saw the game in a very professional way.”

Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior told BBC Radio Humberside:

“We lost the game in the first half, not in the second. It wasn’t (a penalty) but to be honest our performance was unlucky.

“I felt like we gave them an absolute advantage in the first 10 minutes – we played with a lack of energy and that’s why you end up losing the game.”

“If you start like this and lose so many headers, so many tackles, so many second balls, you give your opponent confidence.

“So far, they’ve been great, so I know it’s there and we’ll make sure to get back to the levels that I expect.”