STEVE Clarke got his first win as Reading manager yesterday, two days after a late leveller had robbed his side of all three points.

The Royals were unable to hold on to a two-goal lead away at Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day, conceding a last-minute equaliser, but they didn’t make the same mistake when Norwich City visited the Madejski Stadium.

Glenn Murray went close early on and the hosts went ahead after 25 minutes, Hal Robson-Kanu converting from the penalty spot after Michael Hector was fouled by Bradley Johnson.

Simon Cox doubled the lead soon after and while Johnson pulled a goal back for Norwich in the second half, Reading held out to take all three points.

Against Brighton, Murray scored twice in the first 26 minutes, turning in Robson-Kanu’s cross in the opening seconds before heading home to double the lead.

Jake Forster-Caskey pulled a goal back for the hosts before half-time and Inigo Calderon’s last-minute equaliser meant that the points were shared.

Reading sit 16th in the Championship table, with their next game a trip to Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.