YANN IS THE MAN FOR JOLLY JAAP

PLAY-OFF chasers Reading moved back into third place in the Championship after seeing off their stubborn visitors from Wales.

Jaap Stam’s men went in front three minutes before the interval when John Swift pounced from close range but Cardiff levelled through a penalty from Joe Ralls as the game moved into first-half stoppage time.

Reading netted the winner in the 60th minute when Yann Kermorgant curled in a delightful free-kick from the edge of the Cardiff area.

Reading boss Stam said: “We’re very happy with every win. The teams around us are close so it’s good to keep the momentum going and keep winning games.”

The hosts made the brighter start, with Liam Kelly seeing his effort blocked, while visiting striker Kenneth Zohore suffered a similar fate after finding space on the edge of the home area. Reading then twice went close after incisive moves. Garath McCleary drove at Cardiff keeper Allan McGregor, after exchanging passes with Kermorgant, and Danny Williams missed an easy chance.

Cardiff responded and Ralls struck a post from 20 yards and Junior Hoilett fired wide.

Reading went ahead in the 42nd minute when McGregor could only parry Williams’ shot and Swift tucked in McCleary’s clever back flick from close range.

But Cardiff soon drew level after Liam Moore had fouled former Reading defender Sean Morrison in the area and Ralls benefited. Reading regained their lead on the hour when Sol Bamba fouled Kermorgant on the edge of the box and the Frenchman clipped a super strike over the wall and past McGregor.

Cardiff replied swiftly and also from a free-kick but Hoilett’s set-piece was tipped over the crossbar by Ali Al Habsi.

Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock, who is now hoping to extend his short-term deal into next season, said: “I know the style I want, we want to excite people, and I don’t think we’re far away from being a very good side. Today we were unlucky to lose.”