Manager Nigel Pearson believes it is time for Leicester City to launch their challenge for an automatic promotion spot.
City are just five points off second-place Hull, and head to relegation strugglers Bristol City today after picking up seven points from their last three Championship games.
Pearson said City must now put together a concerted run to challenge the top two before time runs out.
It was in January last season that Reading won nine consecutive games to put them in the automatic-promotion picture and they eventually booked their place in the Premier League.
Pearson has urged his side to find the consistency to do likewise.
"We have to try and make a move over the next month or two, there is no doubt about that because we still have to try to aim for the top two spots," he said.
"We have had a difficult period but we have stayed in contact with the teams above us, and didn't lose too much ground, which is a positive.
"We have got some momentum at the moment but you have to work at it. The secret of success at any level is hard work and we have to continue to work hard. We know we have good players.
"We have to try and make a move on the teams above us now."
Ashton Gate has not been a happy hunting ground in recent seasons.
City have picked up just one point from their last three visits and Pearson is expecting another tough challenge from Derek McInnes' men, despite their lowly position in the table.
"I am sure they will be disappointed with the position they are in," said Pearson.
"They work exceptionally hard and it is a place we have not done particular well at before. We have to try and rectify that.
"For us, it is about trying to get our performance right for this game again and see if we can extend what has been a positive run recently.
"Maybe their win over Peterborough just after Christmas was vital, but whenever you are in a relegation dogfight it seems that when you win other teams around you win.
"It is a tough one to get out of but I am sure they will be a difficult proposition for us, so we have to make sure our performance is right."
Bristol's form at Ashton Gate has been poor of late. They won their first two Championship games at home, against Crystal Palace and Cardiff – scoring four times on each occasion – but have had little to shout about since.
The victory over Peterborough was their first on home soil since those early wins and, overall, they have lost seven out of 12 games in front of their own fans.
