Brighton & Hove Albion's struggling play-off push took another dent as high-flying Reading nicked a 1-0 win at the Amex this evening.
A 13th win in 15 for the Royals also saw the Seagulls' unbeaten home record of 2012 ended.
The home side began the brighter with Adam Federici having to make saves from Ashley Barnes and Craig Mackail-Smith but it was Reading who took the lead just before the quarter-hour mark.
Noel Hunt was felled just outside the area and Ian Harte stepped up and saw his free kick deflect past the helpless Peter Brezovan in the Albion net.
Brighton resumed control despite the goal with Gary Dicker testing Federici before Vicente was set through one-on-one only to lift his shot onto the face of the crossbar.
Gus Poyet's Seagulls earned themselves a penalty early in the second period after Alex Pearce challenged Barnes, who stepped up to take the resulting spot kick only to see Federici palm it away to safety.
Federici continued to thwart a wave of Brighton attempts as the game drew to a close while the visitors almost snatched a second but Pearce watched his header smack the upright.
Reading draw level with Southampton at the Championship's summit and move six clear of chasing West Ham in third place while Brighton remain just outside the play-offs in seventh, two adrift of Cardiff.
Pascal Lemesre
