Reading clinch win over Bristol Rovers

Goals from Dominic Samuel and Nick Blackman earned Reading a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers as Steve Clarke's side continued to prepare for the new season by claiming a win at the Memorial Stadium tonight.

Rovers started brightly and were almost ahead in the opening minute when Matty Taylor won possession in midfield before testing Ali Al-Habsi with a low effort.

Reading created a chance of their own just few minutes later as a loose ball fell to Anton Ferdinand, whose powerful strike forced Steve Mildenhall into a fine save.

It was the League Two side who dominated for much of the first half, and they threatened to break the deadlock again when Al-Habsi tipped over a long-range shot from Chris Lines.

However, the lead belonged to Reading six minutes before the interval when Samuel sprinted clear before converting at the second attempt after Mildenhall had blocked his first effort.

It was a quiet start to the second half, but Tarique Fosu almost handed Reading their second of the evening when his powerful effort produced another save from Mildenhall.

Fosu was involved in the goal which wrapped up the win as he found space on the wing to deliver a cross that allowed Blackman to convert from just a few yards out.

After impressing in the first half Bristol were unable to enjoy extended spells on top, and they came close to conceding a third late on as Danny Williams fired just wide from the edge of the box.