STEVE Clarke’s first game in charge of Reading ended in a 1-0 defeat, to visiting Championship play-off hopefuls Watford.

The Hornets played the second-half with 10 men, after Gabriele Angella picked up a second yellow card.

Reading had their chances from Glenn Murray early on and Nick Blackman, before Almen Abdi scored the winner on 70 minutes.

After the game, Royals boss Clarke said: “We showed we could match a top six side. The only thing we failed to do was put the ball in the net.”

Reading are next in action on Boxing Day, away at lowly Brighton (kick-off 3pm) and then they are at home to Norwich on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).