Brighton & Hove Albion saw off the challenge of Reading and advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to Andrew Croft's first-half strike.
© Getty Images
Brighton began well, with Keith Andrews forcing a save from Adam Federici before hitting the bar from outside the box.
The bar was then rattled twice in a matter of seconds after Solly March's drive from 25 yards out and Ashley Barnes's follow-up both hit the woodwork.
Reading struggled to keep possession throughout the early exchanges and went behind after Kemy Agustien's chipped ball was chested down by Barnes and drilled in by Crofts for his sixth goal of the season.
The Royals didn't even register a shot on goal in the first half but Adam Le Fondre came within inches of equalising before the break after almost latching on to Jake Taylor's ball into the box.
Reading manager Nigel Adkins would have been pleased with his side's response after the break as Le Fondre and Jordan Obita threatened Wednesday's lead in what was a good period for the visitors.
The Royals had to be alert, however, as Agustien saw his whipped effort tipped wide by Federici.
Le Fondre and Taylor then wasted good chances to equalise late on, allowing Brighton to see out the match and advance to the next round.
Benjamin Topliss
