Billy Sharp scored his first goal for Reading early in their match against Charlton Athletic in the Championship this evening, sealing all three points for the hosts.

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The on-loan striker scored on his first start for Reading in the 13th minute of the clash to give the home side the lead, drilling the ball in from long range.

Pavel Pogrebnyak had a chance to double the Royals' lead shortly after, but the Russian's powerful strike from outside the box was comfortably saved by Ben Alnwick.

Simon Church came close to equalising late in the first half after attempting to lash the ball in from a Yann Kermorgant through-ball, but his effort was just saved by Alex McCarthy.

The home side had the better of the chances at the start of the second half, as Pogrebnyak and Daniel Williams both tested the Charlton defence shortly after the restart.

The visitors fought hard as they tried to get themselves back into the game, but their best chance of the second half resulted in a disallowed goal, after Marvin Sordell tapped in from a Rhoys Wiggins delivery, but was well offside.

Johnnie Jackson and Jordan Cousins both had attempts inside the last 10 minutes, but the visitors continued to struggle to find the target, having tested McCarthy just once during the meeting.

The result moves Reading up to fourth in the Championship table.