Reading are on the verge of Championship survival as they battled to a 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion at the Madejski Stadium.

The Royals ground out a very creditable point against Albion to be six points off the drop zone with two games to play and a much healthier goal difference than West Brom.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening exchanges but Andy Rinomhota had a great chance to open the scoring on 29 minutes. Unfortunately his effort was easily held by Sam Johnstone.

The Royals had another chance to take the lead on 33 minutes when Lewis Baker and Ovie Ejaria combined, but the latter skewed his shot wide.

Danny Loader should have put the home side in front on 52 minuts when he was one-on-one with Johnstone but the Albion produced a superb save to turn it round the upright.

The Baggies came back and Harper smashed the crossbar on 59 minutes with Emi Martinez beaten.

Johnstone performed more heroics with 10 minutes, saving brilliantly from Baker's piledriver.

Loader had another decent opportunity to give his side the lead but shot wide with six minutes to go.

West Brom could have won it with three minutes to go but a combination of the post, Chris Gunter and Martinez saved the day.

Reading now look a safe bet to be playing Championship football next season. 

READING: Martinez, Yiadom, Miazga, Moore, Blackett (sub: Gunter, 57), Rinomhota, Baker, Meite (sub: McCleary, 13), Barrow, Ejaria, Oliveira (sub: Loader, 6). Subs: Baldock, Harriott, Walker, McIntyre.