Reading edge out Exeter City in close encounter

Reading recorded the first win of their pre-season campaign as Ryan Edwards's first-half strike was enough to give them the win over a spirited Exeter City at St James' Park tonight.

Nigel Adkins named a strong side for the game, and his team began brightly as Edwards burst beyond the Exeter back four and finished smartly to give the Royals the lead after just eight minutes.

Reading remained on top as the first half settled down following its lively start, but couldn't extend their lead further.

Both sides made several changes at half time and Exeter were nearly level midway through the second half when Jimmy Keohane's effort was cleared off the line by Alex Pearce.

Just four minutes later Exeter's Matt Grimes had another chance cleared off the line as the home side searched for an equaliser that didn't come.