Alan Judge and James Tarkowski grabbed the goals as Brentford secured a 2-0 win over Reading that keeps Mark Warburton's side's playoff hopes alive.

Gareth McCleary and Nathaniel Chalobah both went close for the hosts with early strikes from range, but found David Button equal to their efforts.

Brentford then capitalised on their bright start when Judge volleyed home Andre Gray's cross at the near post on seven minutes.

Chris Gunter carved out two great chances for Reading to pull level, crossing first for Chalobah to head wide and then for McCleary, who fired over the top from 12 yards.

Alex Pritchard's deflected strike just before the break nearly crept inside the post, but ended up just inches wide of goal.

Brentford started the second half strongly and would have gone further ahead if Judge had found a way past Adam Federici when he was put through on goal on 50 minutes.

Instead the Reading goalkeeper made a smart save, before the home side saw a Chalobah goal ruled out for offside.

Warburton's side then wrapped up the win when Tarkowski nodded home Judge's cross on 65 minutes.