Portsmouth came within inches of snatching victory at the Madejski Stadium, but had to be content with a goalless draw against Reading.

The visitors' form had faded over recent weeks and the had slipped out of the top six of the Barclays Premiership as a result.

However, Harry Redknapp's men were much improved this afternoon, and would have taken all three points but for the width of a post when Richard Hughes struck the upright with nine minutes left.

Reading, who have already surpassed all expectations on what has been a remarkable first season in the top flight, promised much - but were unable to find a finishing touch after spells of dominance.

Both these sides still harboured European ambitions, with even seventh in the Premiership likely to secure a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

It had been a positive start to the match by the hosts, who had been given some extra time off during the break in Premiership action by manager Steve Coppell.

A poor back-header by Glen Johnson put Royals striker Leroy Lita away into the left side of the area.

However, the ball would not drop for him, with Linvoy Primus - against his old club - and Sol Campbell eventually combining to scramble it behind for a corner.

There was an opening for Pompey after eight minutes.

An attempted headed clearance by Michael Duberry dropped to Arnold Mvuemba at the edge of the box.

The on-loan Rennes midfielder - making his first start for Pompey - drilled his shot just over the top-right corner.

The match was delicately balanced, with both sides not afraid to go forwards.

A deep cross from Stephen Hunt out on the Reading left was almost turned in by Dave Kitson, who arrived at speed in the six-yard box.

Pompey goalkeeper David James, though, showed quick reflexes to collect the low ball first.

Glenn Little then headed wide at the near post from another left-wing centre as Reading upped the tempo.

However, it was Pompey who came close to taking the lead on 23 minutes when Gary O'Neil's curling 20-yard volley dipped just inches over the crossbar.

After such a positive opening to the match, both teams were then guilty of giving away possession following some promising build-up.

With 12 minutes to go before half-time there was a break in play as Hunt received treatment to his ankle after an awkward fall.

The Reading forward was, though, soon back in the action.

James Harper tried his luck from a full 25 yards, but spooned his shoot well wide.

As half-time loomed, it needed a brilliant saving tackle from Campbell to deny Kitson - just when the Reading striker looked set to pull the trigger in the six-yard box.

As the match entered the final 20 minutes, a promising run from Kanu run down the Reading right was blocked by Nicky Shorey, and the foul was signalled by the assistant.

After a short delay, referee Steve Bennett showed a yellow card to Duberry, presumably for protesting the decision.

Niko Kranjcar stuck the resulting 22-yard free-kick just wide.

Pompey almost snatched a winner in the 81st minute when a fine first-time strike from midfielder Hughes, some 25 yards out, came back off the right-hand post.

Victory would not have been unjust for the visitors against a Reading side which on a rare occasion this season failed to find top gear.

As it was a point maintains the hope of both clubs to stay in contention over the closing months of the campaign for what would be a dream UEFA Cup spot.

Teams:

Reading Hahnemann, Murty, Duberry, Ingimarsson, Shorey,Little (Oster 84), Harper, Sidwell, Hunt (Halford 90),Lita (Doyle 76), Kitson.

Subs Not Used: Federici, Gunnarsson.

Booked: Duberry.

Portsmouth James, Johnson, Campbell, Primus, Stefanovic,O'Neil, Mvuemba, Hughes, Kranjcar (Taylor 90), Mwaruwari, Kanu.

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Traore, Cole, LuaLua.

Booked: Hughes.

Att: 24,087

Ref: S Bennett (Kent).