Jermain Defoe scored the only goal of the half as Tottenham Hotspur lead Reading 1-0 at the interval.

It was Spurs who started the better and they might have taken the lead after four minutes when Gylfi Sigurdsson ghosted into the box, but Alex McCarthy palmed his header to safety.

Gareth Bale came close for Spurs moments later when he beat Ian Harte to the ball, but McCarthy was quick off his line to crowd the winger.

Spurs continued to create the better chances as the half developed and Defoe twice came close with efforts after 17 minutes.

Defoe pounced for the first goal moments later when he struck a powerful effort into the corner after smart work from Aaron Lennon.

The England striker so nearly added a second after 24 minutes, but he fired it narrowly wide of the post.

Spurs had a fine chance to make it two after 30 minutes, but Sigurdsson could not find a finish from close range after Defoe had taken the ball from McCarthy.

The away side continued to dominate the latter stages of the half, but just the singular goal seperated the sides at the break.