READING’S Alex Pearce had a nightmare game as his side lost 2-1 in the Championship at Cardiff City on Friday night.

The defender had a hand in both the home side’s goals. He scored the first after 20 minutes, as he deflected Peter Whittingham’s cross into his own net.

Then on the stroke of half-time he tripped Adam Le Fondre, for a Cardiff penalty, which Whittingham converted.

Despite having 10 men for the whole of the second period, Reading scored the only goal from Michael Hector, as the Royals were unable to stop Cardiff making it five home wins on the trot.

Reading will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to Norwich on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).