There were no goals in the first half of the winner-takes-all Premier League game between Reading and Queens Park Rangers at the Madejski Stadium this lunchtime.

© PA Photos

The visitors won a free kick from the edge of the area early on, but Esteban Granero's curling effort was kept out by the crossbar.

Adel Taarabt created a couple of chances, but the Moroccan could not find the target, sending two shots well wide in the space of five minutes.

Jay Bothroyd watched his 20th-minute strike go just inches wide, after the forward chipped the ball over Alex McCarthy, who was off his line, but the Reading goalkeeper continued to live a charmed life.

The home side had a strong spell towards the end of the half, as Pavel Pogrebnyak forced a save from Rob Green before Jose Bosingwa had to clear the follow-up off the line.

The Royals also appealed for two penalties before the half-time interval, but referee Kevin Friend was not interested.

A draw would see both sides relegated from the Premier League.