Royals Lose Again

A 62nd minute goal from former Royals target Phil Jagielka was enough to give Everton all three points at Goodison Park, condemning Reading to their seventh defeat in a row.

Reading nearly took an early lead when Stephen Hunt’s free kick was saved by Tim Howard in the opening minute.

A tightly contested game was starved of any real clear cut chances until Everton took the lead slightly against the run of play.

The Royals defenders failed to clear an Everton corner, the ball fell to Leon Osman, whose cross found Phil Jagielka, who headed home his first league goal for Everton.

Reading were nearly level through James Harper as he hit the post, and Everton could have scored another had Andy Johnson not failed to hit the target.

The result means Everton remain in fourth, whilst Reading slip into the final relgation spot.