READING slipped to 18th in the Championship after they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham.

In the opening 45 minutes, the home side nearly scored, but Hugo Rodallega’s effort came back off the post.

The Londoners, managed by Basingstoke-born Kit Symons, took the lead after 55 minutes, after Alex Kacaniklic scored from the edge of the box from Scott Parker’s pass.

Just after the hour, the Royals equalised, as Pavel Pogrebnyak headed in Oliver Norwood’s corner.

Fulham’s winner came three minutes into injury time from Bryan Ruiz.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said: “It was disappointing to lose a game to a very late goal.”

This week, the Royals take a break from league action as they travel to fellow Championship side Cardiff for a fourth round FA Cup tie.