Reading extended their winning streak to seven games by seeing off crisis club Portsmouth at the Madejski this evening.
Noel Hunt scored the only goal midway through the opening period to edge Brian McDermott's men ever closer the Championship's automatic promotion places.
Following an even start to the game, Hunt put the home side ahead after exchanging passes with Jason Roberts who crossed for the Irishman to slot home.
Visiting Pompey's possession play was impressive enough but they failed to really trouble the home defence before the break.
In the second 45 the game continued in the same vein with Reading, who were rarely threatened, testing the Portsmouth defence regularly from set pieces.
Alex Pearce squandered the best chance of the half by nodding wide from a free header but it made little difference as Reading saw out the win.
In the seven straight wins for Reading they have conceded just one goal and three more points for the Royals puts them just a single point behind second-placed West Ham while lowly Pompey sink to rock bottom in the Championship.
Pascal Lemesre
