Reading 1 Crewe 1

Reading's slender play-off hopes were effectively extinguished after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Crewe.

The Royals went into the game on the back of two defeats over the Easter period and taking only a point from Crewe is a hammer blow to Steve Coppell's side.

Crewe, not yet safe, have been in fine form of late and they took a point despite falling behind on 10 minutes.

Dave Kitson showed real desire to connect with John Salako's cross and he was rewarded with the opening goal.

Steve Sidwell almost doubled the advantage when shooting just wide, while at the other end Kenny Lunt and Dean Ashton stung the palms of Jamie Ashdown.

Lunt was not deterred by his earlier miss and he was rewarded with the leveller just before the break.

He was fouled on the edge of the box, but regained his composure and curled a superb free kick past Ashdown.

Reading dominated play after the break but failed to threaten the Crewe goal and almost paid the penalty but Ashdown denied David Wright.