Match ends, Reading 0, Leeds United 1.
Jack Harrison's late goal sent Leeds top of the Championship as they beat Reading in an uninspiring encounter.
Leeds broke from a Reading free-kick and Ezgjan Alioski found Helder Costa, whose deflected cross evaded the Royals' defence and allowed Harrison to head home at the far post.
The visitors dominated possession but created few clear-cut chances, although Patrick Bamford chested over from a teasing cross and Stuart Dallas struck the crossbar on 63 minutes.
Michael Morrison almost put Reading ahead midway through the second half, but his effort from six yards flew over after John Swift's ball caused confusion in the Leeds defence.
Leeds moved a point clear of West Bromwich Albion, who have a game in hand and face Bristol City on Wednesday.
Reading, who had taken 10 points from new manager Mark Bowen's first four games in charge, stay 18th, having lost for a second successive game.
The Royals could have gone ahead with the only chance of a poor first half when Yakou Meite's header from a corner was saved by Kiko Casilla.
But, while both sides only hit the opposition's target twice, Leeds did create more half-chances as they tried to break down a stubborn home defence.
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa told BBC Radio Leeds:
"It was a tight match. They have good players and they are able to create danger even if they don't command the match.
"It's a signal of the maturity and experience of my team. In the second half we kept our intensity and we achieved the difference in this sense.
"Three dynamic players were involved in the goal; Alioski, Costa and Harrison. They have the ability to surprise the opponent and they did it with the last chance.
"When you are the top of the league, of course it is better than other positions. But it's also true that today it doesn't mean a lot."
Line-ups
Reading
Formation 5-3-2
- 33Cabral Barbosa
- 2Gunter
- 5Miazga
- 4Morrison
- 6Moore
- 27RichardsBooked at 44mins
- 10Swift
- 8RinomhotaSubstituted forMcClearyat 90+3'minutes
- 14Ejaria
- 19MeiteSubstituted forLoaderat 86'minutes
- 47PuscasSubstituted forBoyéat 70'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Walker
- 12McCleary
- 15Loader
- 18Boyé
- 22Howe
- 24Blackett
- 29Tuncará Gomes
Leeds
Formation 3-3-3-1
- 13Casilla
- 5White
- 2AylingBooked at 40mins
- 6Cooper
- 11RobertsSubstituted forHélder Costaat 35'minutes
- 43KlichSubstituted forAlioskiat 66'minutes
- 23Phillips
- 15Dallas
- 19Hernández
- 22HarrisonSubstituted forShackletonat 90+3'minutes
- 9Bamford
Substitutes
- 1Meslier
- 3Douglas
- 10Alioski
- 17Hélder Costa
- 28Berardi
- 46Shackleton
- 47Clarke
- Referee:
- Darren Bond
- Attendance:
- 16,918
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home33%
- Away67%
- Shots
- Home8
- Away16
- Shots on Target
- Home2
- Away2
- Corners
- Home7
- Away11
- Fouls
- Home12
- Away12
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Reading 0, Leeds United 1.
Post update
Luke Ayling (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Danny Loader (Reading).
Substitution
Substitution, Reading. Garath McCleary replaces Andy Rinomhota.
Substitution
Substitution, Leeds United. Jamie Shackleton replaces Jack Harrison.
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Attempt blocked. Pablo Hernández (Leeds United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Hélder Costa.
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Stuart Dallas (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Lucas Boyé (Reading).
Goal!
Goal! Reading 0, Leeds United 1. Jack Harrison (Leeds United) header from very close range to the bottom left corner following a fast break.
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Attempt saved. John Swift (Reading) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Substitution
Substitution, Reading. Danny Loader replaces Yakou Meite.
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Foul by Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United).
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Ovie Ejaria (Reading) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Lucas Boyé.
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Attempt missed. Pablo Hernández (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Kalvin Phillips with a cross following a corner.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Chris Gunter.
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Luke Ayling (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Foul by Lucas Boyé (Reading).
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Attempt blocked. Lucas Boyé (Reading) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by John Swift.