Half-Time Report: Sunderland take 2-0 lead against Reading

Sunderland take a 2-0 at half time after a dominant first 45 minutes against Reading at the Stadium of Light.

© PA Photos

Sunderland were on the frontfoot from the start, pushing towards the Reading half with the first move of the game.

The home side were awarded a corner inside the opening two minutes, Adam Federici clearing the initial effort with a punch, but the ball fell to James McClean who struck it past the Royals keeper.

Federici was kept busy in the opening minutes, with Sebastian Larsson forcing the Australian into action again just three minutes after the goal.

Sunderland's lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark, when Steven Fletcher back-healed the ball past Federici

Reading looked good when they were on the ball, but Sunderland's defence prevented the visitors from creating many real chances.