Reading and Derby County head into half time tied at 0-0 in this afternoon's Championship clash at the Madejski Stadium.

It was the visitors who came closest in the early stages, with Jamie Ward dragging an effort wide after latching on to a misplaced pass.

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Both sides had their share of the attacking possession in the first period, with Reading almost taking the lead through Royston Drenthe in the 18th minute, the former Everton man narrowly missing the target following a swift counter-attack.

Derby threatened again in the 24th minute as Craig Bryson's vicious strike from outside the box was met with a good save from Reading stopper Alex McCarthy.

Bryson came close again just before the half-time whistle, missing the target unmarked after Reading failed to deal with a corner, but the match remained goalless at the break.