the championship

LEEDS surrendered fourth place to Reading after they were beaten by their play-off rivals at Madejski Stadium.

Reading went in front midway through the first half when Yann Kermorgant latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and lashed home an unstoppable drive.

Leeds, previously unbeaten in seven matches, went closest through Pablo Hernandez in the first half, when he jabbed wide from close range.

Leeds began the brighter, with Hernandez taking advantage of an error by Tyler Blackett. However, with only Ali Al Habsi to beat, Hernandez shot tamely at the home goalkeeper.

Roy Beerens then released John Swift and the England Under-21 midfielder had time and space, but sliced his shot high over the bar.

Reading gradually upped the tempo and were rewarded when they went ahead in the 21st minute.

A quick throw-in from Garath McCleary was nodded towards to the edge of the area by Leeds left-back Charlie Taylor. Kermorgant was waiting to pounce and thundered in his 11th goal of the season.

Keeper Rob Green got a hand to it but, such was the power, he could only help it on its way into the net.

Beerens volleyed over and McCleary was denied in a one-on-one by Green.

Kermorgant then struck a post with a low effort on the stroke of half time.

A plastic bottle was then thrown at Al Habsi, from the section of Leeds fans behind his goal, as he prepared to take a free kick.

Leeds piled on the pressure through a series of aerial balls forward, but were unable to find the equaliser, and the game ended on an ugly note when more objects were thrown at Al Habsi.