Reading's third 0-0 draw in five fixtures saw the Royals somehow climb into fifth place in the Championship table this afternoon. The visitors, play-off rivals Sheffield United, were probably more happy with the result that keeps them two points behind with a game in hand. Reading moved above Derby on goal difference after they were beaten at Ipswich and West Ham's win at Wigan saw them move to seventh - also just two points behind the Royals with a game in hand. It's very tight at the top of the table and Reading will be frustrated not to have picked up the three points today after enjoying the better of a close fixture.

Nicky Forster has had a interesting time recently after putting in the winner in Reading's last league fixture at Brighton and earning himself an offer of a year's contract extension. He made a return to the starting line-up this afternoon and looked a much improved player from his appearances earlier this season that saw him being left out of the side. Forster worked hard all afternoon both in attempting to create chances and to take the ones he was presented. He came close to scoring twice in the opening half. Firstly with a opportunistic lob of the goalkeeper that narrowly flew over the crossbar as it dipped, and then he worked his way through the defence before firing in a low shot against the United post with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen. Steve Sidwell also nearly found the target only to see his shot hit the foot of the same post. Reading were clearly on top but the visitors might have gone in a goal up when they looked certain to score only to find Murty on the line to hack the ball clear.

The second half lost some of it's tempo after a lively, and tough, first half and the chances were few and far between as the game drifted towards 0-0. Dave Kitson seemed hugely out of form and looked a shadow of his usual self in all departments. Forster was replaced with Ferdinand as Reading looked for a late win and he impressed in his short time on the pitch heading down a few balls to create openings. Unfortunately Kitson failed to make the most of a couple of loose balls in the area and Sonko fired a header wide when he had the whole goal to aim at. So another draw as Reading struggle to pick up the points. With six games of the season remaining a win against Millwall on Tuesday night is essential.

Following report from John Wells:
With both sides desperately needing a win I suppose a draw was always a likely result. It was a typically gritty performance from United, but Reading created more clear cut scoring opportunities and generally looked more likely play off candidates than their opponents.

The opening exchanges were lively with both sides signalling their intention to try to win the game but Forster was looking very sharp and his pace caused United sufficient concern to force them onto the back foot. Kitson, although looking slightly below par, helped Fozzy do his stuff by dropping deep and sliding some good passes behind the United defence. Forster's best chance however came from a simple long ball from a Shorey free kick. He looked to have lost his man with his pace, but his effort was well wide and possibly the defender did enough to distract him. He came close with two better efforts from more difficult situations. Running onto a Kitson pass he took the ball early in his stride and his shot from outside the box took everyone by surprise but dipped over the bar. He came even closer a few minutes later when he worked a good position for himself in the box only to see his shot hit the outside of the post.

United had two chances of their own. Andy Gray mis hit his shot from the edge of the area when the ball fell kindly for him, and Murty had to block an effort from Quinn when Kabba had skipped worryingly past Ingimarsson and crossed from the right. It was the only time Reading looked really exposed at the back.

The game became more open in the second half as both sides seemed to lose their shape and the play became stretched. Brooker, having been invisible in the first half, suddenly became more of a threat on the right. He was beating players, cutting inside to switch the play and even had a shot from outside the box which curled just wide. It was the best half I have seen him play.

Les Ferdinand came on late for Forster and immediately won a header which put Hughes into a scoring position. However, with only Kenny to beat, he lacked composure and drove his shot against the 'keeper's legs. After the game Coppell admitted that he was not sure who to take off. It may be that on this occasion it would have been better to play Ferdinand in Kitson's role a leave Fozzy on, but it would take a brave man to take off the leading scorer when goals are so scarce.

So here we are still in the top six, although far from secure in the play off spot, and only a handful of games left. It is crossing fingers and nail-biting time. If we do make the top six at the end of the season, the much criticised signings of Ferdinand and Keown with their experience could yet prove to be a telling factor in our favour.