READING’S new boss Brian McDermott suffered his first loss since returning to take charge of the Royals, as they lost 1-0 at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

James Henry scored the only goal after 18 minutes as Wolves moved up to 16th in the table and Reading stayed in 11th.

The visitors thought they had won an early penalty when Dominic Iorfa looked to have blocked Garath McCleary's shot with his arm, but referee Simon Hooper waved play on.

The home side then took the lead as Henry headed home Jordan Graham's free-kick to make it 1-0.

Wolves’ Benik Afobe then had his own appeal for a penalty turned down after he was brought down by Stephen Quinn, before the Wolves striker almost doubled their lead when he flicked Henry's cross onto the post.

Oliver Norwood almost equalised, but his 25-yard strike crashed off the upright, while Michael Hector nearly levelled also as he took advantage of Wolves' hesitancy.

Some sustained pressure from Reading in the second half was very nearly rewarded when Nick Blackman unleashed a fierce long-range shot that the home goalkeeper Carl Ikeme spilled, but the ball rolled narrowly wide.

Reading will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they entertain Brentford on Monday (3pm) at the Madejski Stadium.