Andrew Croft's goal has given Brighton & Hove Albion the lead going into half time of their third-round cup tie against Reading.

Brighton began well, with Keith Andrews forcing a save from Adam Federici before hitting the bar from outside the box.

The bar was then rattled twice in a matter of seconds after Solly March's drive from 25 yards out and Ashley Barnes's follow-up both hit the woodwork.

Reading struggled to keep possession throughout the half and went behind after Kemy Agustien's chipped ball was chested down by Barnes and drilled in by Andrew Crofts for his sixth goal of the season.

The Royals failed to even register a shot on goal in the half but Adam Le Fondre came within inches of equalising before the break after Jake Taylor's ball into the box.