Last update on. From the section Championship
Derby's Craig Forsyth won the match for the first-time in over five years
Craig Forsyth's first half winner was a great read and brought Derby County's points total back up to positive numbers after they took 12 points off.
Jason Knight crossed to the back post, where left-back Forsyth floated an overhead header that fell into the far corner.
Ryan Allsop, the debutant Rams goalkeeper, made a great stop to deny the Royals a draw after John Swift's powerful shot went over the bar.
The hosts are still five points behind at the bottom of Championship and wasted many chances to win the game. Reading's Josh Laurent almost made it pay late on when he sent a free header inches wide.
After three consecutive wins, the visitors arrived in Derby with a third win. However, Derby was able to claim their third victory of this season thanks to another energetic performance. After the double blow of administration, and a significant points deduction last week, they are now within seven points of safety.
They won the first half with Tom Lawrence forcing Luke Southwood and Knight to save at full stretch. Knight also made the most of his recall (one of Wayne Rooney's four adjustments).
Forsyth scored his first goal since August 2016 with his cross, before Lawrence's surge late in the second half gave him a chance to double the lead but was unable to do so.
Allsop impressed as well, he smothered a strong shot from Baba Rahman, Royals fullback, and then made a double save right before the break from Tom Dele Bashiru and Swift.
Knight's six-yard-long teasing ball was cleared by Derby. However, they won against disappointing Reading.
Rooney's team remain unbeaten at home, while Reading fell to 11th place after losing their fourth match in five on the road.
BBC Radio Derby: Wayne Rooney, Derby manager, said:
"Obviously, with some staff members losing there jobs yesterday it was very difficult for everyone. But full credit goes to our players.
"I thought their performance during the first half was excellent, and we had chances.
"The second half was a completely different performance but it was very impressive in terms of how we defended our box. They only had one chance to win the game, and I believe we deserved it."
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic:
"Overall, we performed well, with the exception of one instance when we conceded the goal.
"We played with confidence and created a lot in the final third, but unfortunately all of our shots on goal didn't end up in the net.
"But, we put all our effort, resources and strength into this game and there were many positives other than the result.
"We now have the opportunity to turn the tables on Saturday before we go on the international break. This will allow us to rest and recuperate."
