Derby once again failed to achieve mathematical safety, leaving it instead until the penultimate weekend of the season for another chance to seal the deal. 

To say that Reading rattled Derby’s cage during the opening stages of the game would be the understatement of the season. The ball found its way to the back of Derby’s net no less than three times during the first half, however fortunately for the Rams each time defensive errors went unpunished as each goal was ruled out for offside. 

After these defensive blips the first half turned into an open game of football with both teams creating good chances.  Derby came closest eight minutes from the end of the half when a Kris Commons shot was deflected just beyond the Reading post by Duberry.

The second half started much like the first had finished, with both sides creating chances.  As expected though it was reading who took the first goal; a deft Kitson header from the cross of Kebe. 

Hulse almost responded immediately for the Ram’s but was unable get enough power on his header to beat Hahnemann. 

Reading proved to be too much for Derby to cope with, as highlighted when on 72 minutes a long ball fed Shane Long in to score their second of the game, and ultimately seal the three points. 

If Derby are unable to gather the necessary points for survival at home to Charlton this coming Saturday, they will be hoping that Reading can repeat tonight’s performance against Norwich on Monday, where a draw for the Royals will be enough to put Derby’s season to bed.

After the successful result at Brighton earlier in the week, Derby were on a high and determined to continue their recent run of impressive results with their trip to Reading.

Unfortunately, it just wasn’t to be.

Brothers Noel and Stephen Hunt opened the scoreline for Reading during some sloppy defending from Derby when Noel headed home a corner knocked in by Stephen.

In the second half, it was another header that extended Reading’s lead, this time courtesy of Kevin Doyle. Doyle was quick to follow this up with a stunning shot from a tight angle

Kris Commons was close with finding a consolation goal but failed to hit the target.

This was Derby’s first major defeat in a long time but it was at the cost of a strong Reading side who are  likely to get automatic promotion back to the Premiership.

Maybe our Carling Cup tie against Leeds United in the week will be more successful…