An early goal from Reading striker Shaun Goater condemned Gillingham to a 1-0 home defeat.

Goater lobbed Bertrand Bossu in the eighth minute after taking advantage of some hesitation by the home defence.

Gills had several chances to equalise - the best of which came when Andy Hessenthaler was fouled in the penalty box in the 35th minute.

But Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann saved John Hills' spotkick, then turned a goalbound shot from the Gills left back round the post two minutes later.

Gillingham failed to create many chances in the second half, with Barry Ashby heading the best of them wide of the goal.