Image source, Rex Features

Ovie Ejaria sends in a cross from the left that eludes everyone and that's the last action of a first half that threatened to burst into life on several occasions, but never quite managed it.

We will have one minute of additional time.

There you go. The best passage of sustained attacking play almost results in a goal for Preston. Ryan Ledson's cross ends with Emil Riis Jakobsen almost poking the ball home after wriggling free in the six-yard box. It's a great reaction save by Rafael Cabral.

Reading then just about scramble the ball clear.

The attempts on goal have all been from distance so far. We have had almost nothing created from a cross or clever pass into feet in the box. We've only had three attempts on target.

I wonder if there's a clear chance to be created in the final five minutes of the half?

Josh Laurent pounces on a loose ball and a good advantage played after a foul on Lucas Joao to try his luck from about 25 yards, forcing Preston keeper Daniel Iversen into a slightly ugly - but effective save.

It's Preston's turn to blaze a shot miles over the bar. Brad Potts spanks a first-time strike well off target. It wasn't as bad as Aluko's "effort" mind.

Surely John Swift will have a dig at goal.... No. Sone Aluko decides it's his turn and only manages to spank it way, way over the bar. That will be his first and last free-kick attempt today I would imagine.

And yet another free-kick for Reading - 20-odd yards from goal...

John Swift has been at the centre of all things decent by Reading and he whips in a free-kick at the near post that just goes wide.

Preston have conceded three needless free-kicks in dangerous areas and Swift has caused problems with all of them. They have been warned.

Image source, Rex Features

Reading have a free kick wide on the right. John Swift sends a in typically sweet centre, which Paul Huntington clears superbly in the six-yard box.

The game is getting livelier by the minute and the Royals are beginning to show their quality.

Some decent interplay from Preston there. Scott Sinclair's trickery and awareness sees the former Celtic winger create space and almost tee up Brad Potts in the inside left channel.

There was a bit too much pace on the pass and the ball squirms away to safety.

Preston respond to the John Swift free-kick and a great turn and quick feet from Brad Potts end with him smashing a shot wide at the near post.

Is it opening up after a cagey start?

Reading are really showing now and their first opportunity sees John Swift try his luck from about 35 yards with a free-kick.

An outrageous effort that dips and moves and brings a fine save save from Daniel Iversen.

Well, it's hardly been thrill-a-minute stuff so far. But Reading are getting into the game after a very slow start. Sone Aluko tries to wriggle his way through a busy defence but is crowded out by Ben Davies.

No chances for either side since Preston winger Scott Sinclair tried his luck with that low strike inside a minute. For all the home pressure and possession, there's not been much of a goal threat so far.

Reading's Sone Aluko has to drop very deep to see some of the ball and wins his side a free-kick after taking a whack in the head.

The stats show Preston have had about 80% of the ball so far.

Rafael Cabral claims a cross from Preston left-back Joe Rafferty, who is a late stand-in because of injury. Regulation stuff but it always settles the team a bit when your keeper makes a decisive early shout and catch.

Preston are soon back on the attack. Reading haven't got going at all yet.

There's some good early pressing and probing from Preston, who have seen plenty of the ball so far. Reading launch a long ball and get a brief reprieve, but the home side are soon back on the front foot.

Image source, Getty Images

Good start by the hosts. Scott Sinclair has an early, skiddy strike at goal. Reading keeper Rafael Cabral pushes it away for a corner, which comes to nothing.

Away we go.