Half-Time Report: West Ham United 1-2 Reading

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 31 March 2012

Reading lead West Ham 2-1 at the half-time interval in their top-of-the-table Championship clash courtesy of a dramatic comeback in the closing stages of the half.

West Ham United currently trail Reading 2-1 at half time in their top-of-the-table Championship clash.

The hosts started the match perfectly, taking the lead after just seven minutes through Carlton Cole.

Matthew Taylor's cross was nodded against the post by Kevin Nolan, allowing Cole to steer the rebound past Adam Federici.

Reading should have equalised after 23 minutes when Noel Hunt had an age to pick his spot after being found by Jimmy Kebe, only to see his effort cleared off the line by James Tomkins.

The Royals did get a goal back just before half time, however, as Ian Harte's corner was powered in by the head of Kaspars Gorkss.

Then, in a dramatic end to the half, the visitors made it two goals in as many minutes when a mistake from Julien Faubert gifted a chance to Hunt, who made no mistake to ensure his side went into the break with an unlikely 2-1 lead.

As things stand, Reading will remain in the automatic promotion spots, extending their lead over the Hammers to four points.