Derby County and Reading have played out a goalless first half at Pride Park in the Championship.

Danny Guthrie accidentally created the game's first dangerous chance when his poor cross strangely evolved into a shot, which looped just over Lee Grant in the County goal.

A quiet opening period came to life towards the end of the half when Reading's Alex McCarthy produced a fine save to keep out Chris Martin's curling effort that looked headed for the corner.

McCarthy was called into action again minutes later when Jamie Ward cut in from the left and crashed a shot straight at the Reading keeper, leaving the teams to go in level at half time.