Reading missed out on the chance to go second in the table, and level on points with leaders Wigan, after a disappointing away defeat at Derby County this weekend. With Little out and Convey freshly returned from International duty, the same side that had seen off Sunderland at the Madejski Stadium started against a Derby side that had only notched up two wins prior to Reading's visit. The game started brightly enough with chances for both sides - the home side hit the bar and Hahnemann was needed to make a couple of decent saves to keep Derby out. Sidwell put in a decent effort that was blocked for a corner and Forster hit a couple just wide of target. However, the game quickly settled down to a below average Championship fixture with the number of offsides greatly outnumbering the number of possible chances. It was late on in the game when the fixture finally came to life after Derby took the lead with just twenty minutes left to play. A period of Derby pressure saw Hahnemann tip the ball over for a corner which was driven in with a shot blocked before the rebound was headed home into the bottom of the net. Derby doubled their lead inside the last ten minutes when the ball was crossed from the right and hit home from close range. The second goal saw Reading suddenly look more involved as they went on the hunt to get back in the game at the death. With most of the play deep in the Derby half Reading won a free-kick which was struck home by Nicky Shorey to make it 1-2. It was Reading that had all off the ball as the game drew to a close with the Royals desperate for the equaliser. However, the damage was done and Reading were forced to leave with their third away defeat of the season.