It’s back-to-back wins on the road in four days for Valerien Ismael’s side as Yuki Ohashi’s first-half strike earned them three points.
The Japanese striker added his third goal the season after good work from Ryoya Morishita, who set up his team-mate for a close-range finish.
It was a deserved advantage too, based on a first-half performance where they exerted impressive control and created the best chances.
Ohashi drew a good save from Radek Vitek after hooking a volley goalwards, before Morishita headed over when well placed in the box; he should have done better.
The Japanese forward then turned in what turned out to be the winner after Morishita wriggled free in the box to cross hard and low. It gave something to hold onto in the second half.
The next 45 was far more scrappy compared to the controlled display Rovers had shown. But they withstood Bristol City’s pressure and deserved a fourth away clean sheet to go with each of their wins.
That shutout was navigated by Aynsley Pears as he was called upon for the nine minutes of stoppage time. Balazs Toth couldn’t continue after lengthy treatment and Rovers will hope it’s only a minor injury.
That was the only sour note on what was another impressive away display by Ismael’s side.
After back-to-back wins, Ismael had a tough balance to strike to retain Rovers’ momentum and keep the team fresh in a three-game week.
He opted for two alterations with Morishita and Hedges replacing Axel Henriksson and Dion De Neve, just as they did at half-time at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Rovers were chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2019 and three Championship wins in a row for the first time since April.
They started the match impressively. With two tough away games in quick succession, the early tempo was going to be important but they pinned Bristol City back.
Morishita drifted into nice pockets in the right channel which caused the hosts problems. He linked up nicely with Ohashi, whose cross had to be palmed out by Vitek with Andri Gudjohnsen lurking at the back post for a tap in.
More nice triangles down the right saw Ryan Alebiosu get to the byline. Sadly, his cross evaded everyone and just missed out Hedges at the back post.
It was encouraging. Rovers’ build-up was slick and incisive but the final action was missing. They were getting closer though with Vitek forced to deny Ohashi after he hooked a volley goal bound in the box.
The chances were getting progressively better but were passing Rovers by. Morishita ghosted into the box but should have done much better as he headed over Hedges’ cross from the left. It was over the bar and he should’ve hit the target at least.
However, in added-on time, Rovers got the goal that their first-half performance deserved. It was made in Japan with Morishita again finding a clever pocket of space, wriggling into the box and picking out Ohashi to tap in his third of the season.
Perhaps the most encouraging thing was the level of control Rovers exerted. Sondre Tronstad was a constant outlet in the middle with Bristol City opting not to press him as the deepest midfielder.
The Rovers captain was in trouble shortly after the restart though. Lewis Miller overran the ball in his own third and left Tronstad with little choice but to take a yellow for the team. The home fans were calling for a red card but the caution does mean he will be suspended for the next match against Derby County.
The Robins had clearly had some strong words of encouragement at half-time and were pressing much higher. It disrupted Rovers’ rhythm and put them on top as they chased an equaliser.
Ross McCrorie headed over at the back post but Rovers continued to do an impressive job at restricting their hosts. By 65 minutes, Balazs Toth was yet to make a save of any significance.
Though the first half was far easier on the eye, Rovers were demonstrating both sides to their game. They were not withering and standing up to what had become far more of a scrap in the second 45.
More time came and went until the game came to life in stoppage time. The home fans were sparked into anger by perceived time-wasting by Toth, who had lengthy treatment before deciding to continue.
However, he quickly went down again and was replaced by Pears for his first outing since April. Rovers will hope that it is just a precaution and Toth did walk off the pitch and around to the dugout with just a minor limp.
The nine minutes of stoppage time were managed with Pears not having to exert himself. It ensured a first win at Ashton Gate since 2019 and a hat-trick of wins to give their season real momentum.
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Attendance: 21,499