Royals run into Sky Blue buffers

Reading saw their winless run extended to six games after being frustrated by Coventry in a goalless draw at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

The home side began to take control after a quiet start and Shane Long fired wide before seeing another effort hit the post soon after. Coventry striker Marlon King, who was booed throughout, also hit the post in the first half but it was all Reading after the break. Sky Blues goalkeeper Kieren Westwood did well to deny Noel Hunt before Jem Karacan had a header cleared off the line as the visitors held firm. It was a frustrating afternoon for Reading, who made it five consecutive Championship draws, while Coventry extended their unbeaten run to four matches without conceding. Neither side took a hold of the game early on and Coventry midfielder Lee Carsley volleyed over from long range, while at the other end Jobi McAnuff brought out a comfortable save from Westwood. Reading began to pick up the pace and some excellent build-up play saw McAnuff lay the ball into the path of Long, who burst past one defender before firing wide. The Royals came agonisingly close to taking the lead with 18 minutes gone when Jimmy Kebe crossed for Long, who saw his effort cannon back off the post. Three minutes later the impressive McAnuff beat three players before crossing for Long, who headed over when he should have done better. Coventry had barely threatened but a good header from Clive Platt set up King, who smashed an effort from 18 yards against the post. The game continued to go from end to end but neither side were able to fashion any more meaningful goalscoring opportunities. Two minutes before half-time, Michael Doyle tried his luck from 25 yards but Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici was untroubled by the effort. The home side made a bright start to the second half and Long burst to the byline and cut the ball back, but Westwood was alert and pounced on the ball. Moments later Westwood did well to parry away a shot from Hunt and the rebound fell to Karacan but his header was cleared off the line by Richard Wood. Reading continued to press and when Wood handled, it gave Ian Harte a chance from a free-kick, but his 25-yard shot was easily saved by the reliable Westwood. With time running out, Reading substitute Hal Robson-Kanu put a fine cross into the box and Long glanced a header just wide of the post. That was the closest Reading came to a winner as Coventry held on for a point.