READING slipped to 17th in the Championship after they lost 1-0 at home to Wigan Athletic.

Jason Pearce scored on his Wigan debut after 17 minutes, from close range after Adam Federici fumbled Leon Clarke's header.

The Royals started well as Alex Pearce had his header scrambled off the line by Wigan’s Mark Antoine-Fortune.

Visiting goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi then made first-half saves from Garath McCleary and Nathaniel Chalobah before Hal Robson-Kanu headed wide after the interval.

Reading’s Pearce cleared off the line for the home side late on as his side had a night to forget.

Royals’ manager Steve Clarke said: "That was rubbish. I've no idea why so it's something I've got to look long and hard at.”

Reading will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to play-off candidates Ipswich on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).