Reading 2-1 Cardiff: Royals back to third with narrow victory

Play-off chasing Reading moved back into third place in the Sky Bet Championship with a hard-earned 2-1 home victory over Cardiff.

Reading went in front three minutes before the interval when John Swift pounced from close range after being set up by Garath McCleary.

But Cardiff levelled through a penalty from Joe Ralls as the game moved into first-half stoppage time.

Reading netted the winner in the 60th minute when Yann Kermorgant curled in a delightful free-kick from the edge of the Cardiff area.

The hosts made the brighter start, with midfielder Liam Kelly trying his luck from 20 yards only for the well-struck effort to be blocked.

McCleary drove at Cardiff goalkeeper Allan McGregor, after exchanging passes with Kermorgant, and Danny Williams lost control at the vital moment following smart work by McCleary.

Cardiff responded on the break and, after a frantic goalmouth scramble, almost went in front. The Reading defence failed to clear their lines and Ralls struck a post with a low, 20-yard effort.

Reading went ahead in the 42nd minute when McGregor could only parry Williams' shot and Swift tucked in McCleary's clever back flick from close range.

But Cardiff drew level in the first minute of first-half stoppage time after Liam Moore had fouled former Reading defender Sean Morrison in the area.

Ali Al-Habsi had saved a late Chris Martin spot-kick in the victory over Fulham in midweek but was unable to keep out Ralls' firm effort from 12 yards.

Cardiff threatened soon after the interval but Al-Habsi saved comfortably after Hoilett had cut in from the left and fired in a decent attempt.

However, Reading regained their lead on the hour when Sol Bamba clumsily fouled Kermorgant on the edge of the box.

The French striker studied the free-kick for what seemed an age before clipping a superb strike over the defensive wall and past McGregor.

Cardiff replied swiftly and also from a free-kick. But Hoilett's set-piece was well watched by Al-Habsi and tipped over the crossbar.

Reading boss Jaap Stam:

"We're very happy with every win. It's very important to do that in the position we are in now. The teams around us are close so it's good to keep the momentum going and keep winning games.

"Cardiff kept us going until the end. We knew what their qualities were and how they played. We saw them a couple of times. They tried to stop us playing at the start by getting everyone compact and not giving us the space to get through.

"We didn't make the right choices always. We needed to move the ball more from side to side, to wear out Cardiff. Eventually, they would have got tired and you would have got your spaces and created chances. We gave Cardiff the opportunity to get forward a few times and that's when you make it hard for yourself. You don't want to do that."

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock:

"I'd like to get promotion next season. I'm working hard to show the club what I can do. I've met the owner [Vincent Tan] and everybody else. Everything is very positive.

"I've told them in detail what I think we need, I gave them an in-depth look into my thoughts this week. And I'm sure they're going to come back and let me know if it's possible.

"It's a great club and I think we're showing them we know what we're doing. I don't want to pick up money without a chance of promotion. They know that and we get on really well. Vincent is very supportive."