Reading have started brightly against Fulham this afternoon and lead at the break, thanks to a penalty from Hal Robson-Kanu.

Nigel Adkins's side were positive from the outset and were rewarded when John Arne Riise conceded a penalty after bringing down Robson-Kanu in the box.

The Welsh midfielder got up to take the spot kick and sent Mark Schwarzer the wrong way to score with a composed spot kick.

Fulham looked for a quick response through Berbatov, but his shot on the turn was scuffed wide from range.

Berbatov was involved again soon after with an instinctive flick towards goal, with Alex McCarthy well placed to save with relative ease.

At the other end Danny Guthrie sent a swerving strike from distance just wide of the target as Reading continued to pose a potent attacking threat.

Hugo Rodallega then forced McCarthy to make a strong save as he lashed towards goal after a knock down from Bryan Ruiz, but the Royals keeper was equal to a central strike.

Reading held firm to lead at the interval, with Riise firing well wide late in the first half.