A goal from Nick Blackman is all that stands between Rotherham United and Reading at the New York Stadium, where the hosts are trailing 1-0 at the break.

The Royals were quick off the blocks and fired an early warning shot in the first minute when Garath McCleary forced a save out of Lee Camp from close range.

High-flying Reading almost found themselves behind in the 19th minute when Matt Derbyshire twisted and turned before letting fly from the edge of the box, forcing a finger-tip save from Ali Al-Habsi.

The Royals stormed into the lead in the 26th minute following a blistering counter-attack, which Blackman capped off by smashing one beyond Camp from long range.

Reading almost went into the break two goals to the good as Orlando Sa gained possession eight yards from goal and got a shot away, only to be denied by a reaction stop from Camp.