Blackpool 1-0 Reading: Callum Connolly strike gives Tangerines victory
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There was not much between the sides at Bloomfield Road
Callum Connolly's early goal was enough to propel Blackpool to a win over Reading on the first day of the new Championship season, in Michael Appleton's first game of his second spell in charge.
The defensive midfielder volleyed home in the ninth minute and the Royals were unable to respond as the match entered a period of stagnation.
Neither side created any chances for the rest of the half outside of the Tangerines' Matty Virtue, who had a couple of shots on target in quick succession.
Josh Bowler struck the post for Blackpool four minutes after the restart but the game then flipped, with a reinvigorated Royals pressing upfield and forcing the home side to bring more bodies back in defence.
They came inches away from equalising but were denied by a pair of quick saves from goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.
Despite Reading having more of the possession and Blackpool falling flat in the final 30 minutes of the game, the Tangerines were able to hold on to their lead.
Returning manager Appleton, who had a previous brief spell in charge of Blackpool during the 2012-13 season, will be pleased with the outstanding play of his back four, who threw up a wall which their opponents could not penetrate.
Reading have now lost their opening league match of the season in five of the past six seasons.
Blackpool manager Michael Appleton told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"We started really fast. We were excellent.
"I thought we could have had a couple more goals in the first half. We did get a bit sloppy but I'm disappointed we scored only one."
Reading manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Berkshire:
"We conceded a silly goal. We had a much better second half. Our starting 11 put in a hell of an effort.
"We need to consider our lack of depth at the moment. It could take three of four weeks until our team starts to gel."