Reading FC 1-0 Rotherham United: Instant Match Report

Reading: Al Habsi, Gunter, McShane, Cooper, Obita, Quinn, Hector, Norwood (Rakels 65'), Robson-Kanu, Kermorgant, John (McCleary 73')

Rotherham: Camp, Richardson, Broadfoot, Wood, Mattock, Halford (Derbyshire 79'), Green (Best 73'), Smallwood, Newell, G Ward, Clarke-Harris (Thomas 72')

In a relatively dull first half, Reading's best chance came from Yann Kermorgant, who volleyed wide from an excellent Hal Robson-Kanu cross. At the other end, Ali Al-Habsi kept the Royals in it as he dived to save Richard Wood's header. The only other thing to report from the opening 45 minutes is that Rotherham picked up a staggering five red cards. Classic Neil Warnock and all that...

The second half looked as though it would be heading in the same uneventful direction until with just over 20 minutes to go, substitute Deniss Rakels put an inviting the ball into the area which Robson-Kanu got on the end of as he curled an excellent shot across goal into the far corner. The home league goal drought was over!

The Latvian striker had a few chances to get his first goal of the club but it wasn't to be, and Reading managed to hold on to secure an important win and a third successive clean sheet in the Championship.

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for full match report and player ratings over the next day or so.