Royals 0 Bolton 2

A must win game for Reading at the Madejski Stadium resulted in a woeful 0-2 defeat at the hands of relegation rivals Bolton.

Reading started off brightly but were unable to convert possession into goals and the game changed in Bolton’s favour when they were handed a penalty in the 23rd minute.

Although Royals ‘keeper Marcus Hahnemann saved the spot kick from Matt Taylor, the chance filled Bolton with confidence and they were ahead ten minutes later.

A long hoof up field by Jussi Jaaskelainen typically found the head of Kevin Davies. His header was met by Kevin Nolan who finished for his fifth goal of the season.

Reading put Bolton under some immense pressure in the second half and were nearly rewarded for their dominance but Danny Guthrie cleared off the line from a dangerous Reading corner.

Bolton killed the game against the run of play, a ball from Matt Taylor found Heidar Helguson, who beat the offside trap and slotted past Hahnemann.

Reading tried their best to get back into the game, but Bolton defense was too strong for a Reading side who have now gone three games without scoring.

The result was Reading’s sixth defeat in a row and leaves them just a point above the relgation zone.

Bolton are only three points ahead of the Royals, but they will be boosted by this win and due to their solid defensive display and all round physical strength, it would be very surprising if they were dragged into a relegation dog fight.