An early goal from Billy Sharp has given Reading a 1-0 lead over Charlton Athletic at the Madejski Stadium this evening.

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Alex Pearce had an early chance for the home side as he looked to head in from a Danny Guthrie cross in the sixth minute, but the midfielder could not keep his finish on target.

On-loan striker Sharp was able to break the deadlock shortly after though, drilling the ball in from distance to score his first goal in a Reading shirt.

Pavel Pogrebnyak came close to doubling the Royals' advantage just six minutes later, but the Russian's long-range effort was saved.

Nigel Adkins's side continued to look the more threatening as the first half came to a close, with Jobi McAnuff and Pogrebnyak both creating chances late on.