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Southampton logo
Premier League
Dec 8, 2012 at 3pm UK
 
Reading logo

1-0

Puncheon (61')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Southampton move out of bottom three

Southampton move out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Reading this afternoon.

Southampton have moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Reading this afternoon.

James McCarthy opens the scoring for Wigan on December 8, 2012© PA Photos

The hosts almost took the lead within 10 minutes when Nathaniel Clyne raced down the right before drilling a cross towards Morgan Schneiderlin, but the Saints midfielder couldn't direct his effort on target.

Adam Federici was called into action midway through the half when Rickie Lambert sent in a curling effort, but the Reading keeper was equal to it.

Southampton's Jason Puncheon gives his side the lead on December 8, 2012© PA Photos

The Royals' first sight of goal came in the 28th minute through Jay Tabb, who burst into the box before forcing Kelvin Davis into making a save.

They almost took the lead in the closing stages of the first half when Sean Morrison flicked a header across goal to Hal Robson Kanu, but the Welsh midfielder's headed effort came back off the post.

Southampton players mob Jason Puncheon after his strike against Reading on December 8, 2012© PA Photos

The Saints took the lead shortly after the hour mark when Clyne slid the ball into Jason Puncheon before the midfielder arrowed an effort into the bottom-left corner.

Clyne almost put his own name on the scoresheet soon after, beating Nicky Shorey before firing a shot towards the near post that Federici had to be alert to keep out.

Reading couldn't find an equaliser in the closing stages, however, as Southampton held on to move out of the bottom three.

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Reading manager Brian McDermott on the touchline at Southampton on December 8, 2012
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