Reading have been the better side during a subdued opening 45 minutes against Newcastle United at the Madejski Stadium.

It took until the 23rd minute for either side to register a shot on target, with Steve Harper making a comfortable save from Noel Hunt's tame header.

Pavel Pogrebnyak then forced the Magpies goalkeeper into an impressive diving stop with another header on the half-hour.

Late in the half, James Perch made an superb last-ditch tackle to deny Pogrebnyak, who was in on goal.