Reading failed to take advantage of Birmingham's slip as they were held to a draw at Steve Coppell's former club.

The home side had the better of the game but Reading should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Dave Kitson appeared to be fouled.

Kitson went close with a curled effort midway through the second half.

But promotion-chasing Reading had to see out the final 20 minutes with only 10 men when Liam Rosenior was sent off for a second yellow card.

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock on talented teenagers Nathaniel Clyne and Victor Moses:

"They are two exceptional players. I think all the big boys will be queueing up for them soon.

"I can see the top four taking them.

Hopefully we'll get another season out of them but it wouldn't surprise me if we get an offer we can't turn down in the summer."

Reading manager Steve Coppell:

"They had more pressure than us and when we went down to 10 men it looked like that pressure might tell.

"But we defended well and it was good to get a point given the circumstances.

"All the teams are feeling it, we've had seven games in 21 days and it takes its toll.

"It's nice now to have a break and everyone in the division can set themselves up for the closing month of the season."

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Clyne, Lawrence, Jose Fonte, Hill, Moses, Derry, Danns, Oster (Rui Fonte 88), Kuqi, Stokes (Ifill 81).
Subs Not Used: Carle, Hills, Ertl.

Reading: Hahnemann, Rosenior, Bikey, Duberry, Armstrong, Doyle, Gunnarsson (Cisse 50), Matejovsky (Long 63), Harper, Kebe (Stephen Hunt 18), Kitson.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Little.

Sent Off: Rosenior (72).

Booked: Stephen Hunt, Rosenior, Doyle.

Att: 14,567

Ref: Andy D'Urso (Essex).

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