Pavel Pogrebnyak's early strike remains the difference between Reading and Cardiff City at half time of their Championship clash at the Madejski Stadium.

It was Cardiff that started the brighter, but the home side took a quick lead when Pogrebnyak was on hand to turn home Gareth McCleary's ball forward after just four minutes.

The Russian striker then saw his appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Scott Duncan after Bruno Ecuele Manga appeared to bundle the Royals man over in the box.

McCleary's cross was then dangerously flicked on by Michael Hector, but just eluded a stretching Alex Pearce, who was close to making it two at the back post.

Aron Gunnarsson's long throw-in on the stroke of half time caused chaos in the Reading box, but Steve Clarke's side survived the scare thanks to some composed goalkeeping from Adam Federici.