Preston were anonymous for the first forty five minutes but having said that Reading only attacked twice. Once when Richard Chaplow who was so poor played a side rule path onto the oncoming run of a Reading striker - a perfect ball allowing the Reading man through to score.
Before the break Preston were caught on the break again. In a decidely close offside/onside decision Preston lost the ball, Reading were through again and doubled their lead.
Preston came out stronger in the second half but could have gone further behind but for a save from Lonergan. The Whites then had the majority of the game.
Wallace hit a thirty yard shot which was tipped onto the bar. Brown had a goal disallowed for offside before Wallace hit the post with a long range shot. Preston created chances but could not convert until a push in the box gave the referee no option but to award a penalty. Parkin, the substitute blasted home the spot kick as Preston piled forward in the last five minutes but to no avail.
A combination of poor defending and the woodwork prevented Preston from keeping pace with the leaders.