Hull skipper Jordy De Wijs cut the deficit with a 60th-minute glancing header from George Honeyman's free-kick on the left.

But the Robins held on for their first win in 10 games, condemning their opponents to a place in the Sky Bet Championship's bottom three with just four games left.

Assistant head coach Dean Holden changed formation to 3-5-2 for his first game in caretaker charge, bringing in Jack Hunt, Filip Benkovic and Paterson.

Hull boss Grant McCann also made three changes, including Angus MacDonald, Callum Elder and James Scott in his starting line-up.

The home side had a setback in the first minute when centre-back Nathan Baker suffered what appeared to be a head injury and had to be replaced by Zak Vyner after lengthy treatment.

Bristol City had the first efforts at goal, Nahki Wells shooting over and Paterson seeing an effort blocked. But Hull responded and Scott had a fierce drive deflected out for a corner.

Neither side could exert much control before Diedhiou made the breakthrough to give the hosts a lead they barely deserved.

During 10 minutes of first-half stoppage time, Mallik Wilks fired over for Hull, but it was one of few goal threats from either team before the break.

Bristol City might have gone two up five minutes into the second half when Wells broke clear down the left and cut inside only to see his low shot well saved by Long.

After Paterson's goal, Long had to make another fine stop to keep out a Diedhiou volley. At the other end Tom Eaves, one of two half-time substitutes for Hull, had a shot deflected just wide.

Reece Burke headed over for Hull moments after McCann had made his third change, sending on Josh Bowler for Scott.

De Wijs breathed new life into the Tigers with his goal, and appeals for a penalty when Wilks went down were unanswered by referee Gavin Ward.

Goalkeeper Dan Bentley protected Bristol City's lead with a fine diving save from Wilks' low drive, while at the other end Andreas Weimann shot wide when well placed.

Bentley did well again to keep out a Bowler volley as Hull pressed for a late equaliser, but their efforts proved in vain.