Well, we are unlikely to see a better chance than a penalty in the final moments. Reading are still pressing.

Preston's Ryan Ledson and Ben Whiteman are both cautioned in quick succession.

Ched Evans is on for Preston as they chase a winner. Scott Sinclair makes way.

Oh dear oh dear. Lucas Joao drags his effort wide of the post. That's a huge relief for Preston.

Daniel Iversen went the wrong way too.

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Getty Images

Reading have penalty for a foul on Lucas Joao after a bit of a delay.

Joe Rafferty is the guilty man for a messy challenge at the far post, grappling his man as he tries to get back and cover a clever cross in behind...

Lucas Joao to take.

Preston do make a change however, Jayson Molumby's home debut is over. Daniel Johnson is on. His attacking threat could make a difference.

There's no sign of Michael Olise coming on for the Royals as of yet. His shoulder injury must be a real concern because if ever there was a game crying out for the young midfielder's creativity and quality, it is this one.

Alfa Semedo is the first new face to join the action for Reading, replacing Sone Aluko.

Barring a truly astounding final 15 minutes or so this is a Championship game you will struggle to recall with a smile if you're a neutral.

A 1-0 win either way and the winners will get some pleasure from it of course. Keep faith it could happen. It could. But the signs aren't good just now.

Image source, Rex Features

Tom Barkhuizen is on for Preston. The striker replaces Emil Ris Jakobsen, who has had Preston's best - and pretty much only - chance of the afternoon.

Reading's Ovie Ejaria has looked more likely than anyone to create a chance. He retains possession in a tight area and sets off a passage of play that results in a corner.

Reading work it short and keeper Daniel Iversen has to make a stunning save from Michael Morrison, but the flag goes up for offside. As you were.

Reading give away a corner when under very little pressure. Preston cannot take advantage and as the visitors break, Jayson Molumby becomes the first man into the book as he upends Sone Aluko.

It's hardly a new observation to say fans are desperately missed at football matches. But you would say there is no way the home fans would not lift their side right now.

It's deadly dull at Deepdale I am afraid to say.

Preston have settled down again after a troubling few minutes. They dominated the start of the first half, but Reading have been well on top for the first 10 or so minutes of the second period.

Still no goals. Reading are clearly not happy with an away point. A win and they go level on points with Swansea and Watford, who are second and third respectively

Image source, Rex Features

There's more pressure from Reading who are causing problems for the home side. Keeper Daniel Iversen is called into action, tipping another decent effort over the bar. This time Sone Aluko is denied.

The Royals are ramping it up.

A chance and a close-range strike on goal by Reading. Ovie Ejaria tries his luck after some great work by Lucas Joao.

Daniel Iversen makes a good save at his near post.

Image source, Rex Features

Reading's John Swift is caught in possession in his own half trying one too many fancy drag backs. It's football's version of Dancing on Ice, but he would have won no marks had Preston been able to create something.

A quiet start to the second half. Reading try to work some space without success while Preston lump a couple of long balls forward to turn the visiting defence. Again, without success.

Reading kick us off at Deepdale. I could do wth a frantic second half and plenty to write about for more reasons than just the entertainment factor.

It's freezing in my makeshift office and I can barely feel my fingers. A 3-3 draw would help get the blood flowing.

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Two clubs on the fringes of the Championship play-offs test their promotion credentials at the Riverside from 15:00 GMT, as Middlesbrough entertain Blackburn.

It's a return to familiar ground for Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, once the doyen of the Holgate End at the old Ayresome Park.

Neil Warnock's side have no time for sentiment though, a ninth top flight promotion is on his mind and precious points to be plundered.

We'll take a deeper look at that game once proceedings at Deepdale are done with.

We'll be back out soon.

There wasn't a great deal to get excited about in the first half despite some encouraging spells. John Swift was at the heart of all Reading's best moments with a couple of long-range attempts on goal and also a cross that could easily have led to a penalty when it rolled down Alan Browne's shoulder and arm.

Preston had loads of the ball early on and went close towards the end of the half though Emil Riis Jakobsen, but no goals as of yet.