Joao Pedro scored and was sent off in the space of one first-half minute as Hull claimed a valiant 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The striker collected a square ball from Abu Kamara and took advantage of a slip by Bristol City defender Rob Dickie to shoot low past Max O’Leary after 13 minutes.

But seconds later he went from hero to villain, sliding into a late challenge on George Tanner with studs raised and earning a straight red card from referee James Linington.

Anis Mehmeti drew the hosts level with a 54th-minute penalty, sending goalkeeper Ivor Pandur the wrong way after Hull defender Alfie Jones had been booked for fouling Sinclair Armstrong as they contested a cross.

But, despite incessant pressure, the play-off contenders could not conjure up a winner and the Robins’ afternoon ended in frustration.

Bristol City made one change from their midweek victory at Millwall, bringing in Mehmeti for George Earthy, while Hull were unchanged from their crucial win over relegation rivals Plymouth.

The visitors made the brighter start with Jones side-footing over from inside the box and Sean McLoughlin sending a volley narrowly wide.

Pedro’s goal came as no surprise, but his dismissal transformed the game and the rest of the first half brought constant home pressure, met by some desperate Hull defending.

Scott Twine had two shots blocked in quick succession before Armstrong headed over from Jason Knight’s 32nd-minute cross. Twine was denied again and Armstrong put another headed chance too high.

With Kyle Joseph acting as a lone striker, Hull found it difficult to get out of their own half. Twine had a 30-yard drive saved by Pandur, who did well to tip a Mehmeti shot wide from a narrow angle.

The dangerous Twine had yet another effort tipped over as Hull survived five minutes of first-half added time.

It was the same pattern at the start of the second half with Pandur saving from Max Bird and Knight before brilliantly tipping over a Twine shot from distance bound for the top corner.

Mehmeti’s spot-kick for his 12th goal of the season finally rewarded Bristol City’s dominance before both sides made substitutions on the hour.

Twine kept peppering the Hull goal, seeing two more shots saved by the busy Pandur, who was relieved to see a Zak Vyner volley flash wide.

Animated Hull coach Ruben Selles was shown a yellow card for dissent as his side fought tenaciously for a point.

With substitute Sam Bell looking dangerous on the left flank, the Robins continued to pour forward, but Hull’s resistance was commendable and they were by far the happier team at the final whistle.