Shaun Goater struck his 12th league goal of the season to keep Reading's Nationwide Division One play-off hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over FA Cup finalists Millwall at the Den.

Goater broke the deadlock early in the first half against the depleted Lions, whose own play-off ambitions suffered a severe setback in their seventh league match without a win.

The home side hit the woodwork twice through Paul Ifill and Peter Sweeney but did not look like scoring in front of a disappointing crowd of 12,535.

Millwall staged a karaoke contest before kick-off, giving fans the chance to appear on the club's official FA Cup song by recording them singing along to the words on the big screen.

But the Lions have failed to win a game since their semi-final victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford and were made to pay for having one eye on the big day next month.

The home side had goalkeeper Andy Marshall to thank for a fine reaction save from Adrian Williams, who had pounced on a rebound after Dave Kitson's effort from John Salako's corner hit Danny Dichio in the 11th minute.

But Reading did not have long to wait before opening the score. Salako swung in another corner and Goater had time to pick his spot on the volley in the 16th minute.

Millwall were missing the vision of midfielder Tim Cahill, who was suspended, and looked bereft of ideas despite a three-man forward line.

A quick free-kick from Dennis Wise almost caught the visitors out when Ifill ghosted in unnoticed, but Reading got enough bodies back to clear the danger.

Ifill was Millwall's most dangerous player, and Jamie Ashdown was at full stretch to tip his shot from 25 yards onto the post just before the break.

Wise was lucky to escape with only a booking for what looked a bad foul from behind on Steven Sidwell as the game turned physical after the interval.

Sweeney came on for Millwall to provide some width and shot over the crossbar with his first touch from Wise's corner.

Kitson missed a chance to make sure at the other end for Reading with three minutes to go after turning inside defender Darren Ward only to shoot wide.

But there was real drama in the final minute when substitute Sweeney swung a free-kick over the defensive wall and off the upright with Ashdown beaten.

Teams

Millwall Marshall, Ryan, Lawrence, Ward, Livermore, Ifill, Elliott, Wise, Chadwick, Dichio (Harris 45), McCammon (Sweeney 66).

Subs Not Used: Gueret, Braniff, Hearn.

Booked: Wise.

Reading Ashdown, Hughes, Murty, Newman, Williams, Salako, Sidwell, Harper, Kitson, Goater (Owusu 81), Savage (Morgan 73).

Subs Not Used: Boucaud, Brooker, Young.

Booked: Newman.

Goals: Goater 16.

Att: 12,535

Ref: A Hall (West Midlands).