Fulham 2-1 Reading FC: Instant Reaction

The Royals made just one change for the trip to the Cottage- Garath McCleary returning from a knock to replace Jamie Mackie on the right-wing.

Early on, Fulham started well but the visitors had the first chance at goal- Alex Pearce seeing a header cleared off the line. The hosts responded by Hugo Rodallega shooting wide from 18 yards.

With a scrappy first-half, it became apparent that this wasn't to be a game full of goals, with Rodallega again having a chance that was shot against the post. Reading were being particularly stout at the back, until Kit Symons' side broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Scott Parker was allowed to drift into a dangerous area, with recalled Fulham winger Alex Kacaniklic broke in between Chris Gunter and Michael Hector to put the Cottagers in front.

Reading replied quickly, with Pavel Pogrebnyak nodding home a 63rd minute Oli Norwood corner, sending the 2700 fans into raptures. The visiting fans' excitement almost reached fever pitch, but Garath McCleary's low cross flashed across the face of goal without a finish.

Pogrebnyak again had a header go close, and with five minutes of stoppage time on the board Reading almost had a chance through Nick Blackman. However, it was the hosts who took the points with substitute Brian Ruiz heading home in the 92nd to take the points.