IT HAS been a good week for Reading, who are up to fourth in the Championship table following victories over Nottingham Forest and Charlton.

A fine 3-2 victory at the City Ground on Friday night was followed by a 1-0 win over Charlton at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday.

Compared to their roller coaster win against Forest, Tuesday’s victory over Charlton was far more straightforward.

Billy Sharp scored the winner on 13 minutes, finding the bottom corner from 20 yards to mark his full debut with a goal.

The hosts dominated for much of the match and twice went close to extending their lead. Garath McCleary hit the outside of the post early in the second half and Sharp almost had a second when Charlton goalkeeper Ben Alnwick fumbled Pavel Pogrebnyak's shot.

Charlton ended the game on top but were unable to draw level. Marvin Sordell went closest, having a goal ruled out for offside.

The result means that Reading remain in the play-off positions ahead of a home game against Bournemouth on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Reading’s under-21 team were unable to match their senior counterparts, drawing 1-1 against Norwich City in their first game at the Camrose on Monday night.

Craig Tanner gave the hosts the lead on 11 minutes but Norwich levelled through Carlton Morris in the second half. The Royals’ under-21s are next in action at the Camrose on December 16, when West Ham United will be the visitors.