A first-half goal from Michael Ballack kept Chelsea in touch with the leaders at the top of the Premier League.

Ballack headed home a cross from Paulo Ferreira in the 33rd minute as Chelsea equalled a club record of nine successive wins in all competitions.

The previous record was set in Jose Mourinho's tenure two years ago and the victory also made it 75 consecutive league games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge.

Steve Coppell's side had been hoping for their first away win in the Premier League for 13 games but were robbed of an attacking edge when striker Dave Kitson was ruled out with flu.

Given Reading's poor run of form, Chelsea were expected to overcome the Royals with ease and their incisive approach play caught the visitors on the hop in the sixth minute when Kalifa Cisse was forced to bring down the marauding Shaun Wright-Phillips on the edge of the penalty area.

Ballack's free-kick brought a diving save from Marcus Hahnemann and in the 18th minute the Reading keeper did well to save a rising drive from Joe Cole.

Hahnemann had to be at his best again moments later to deny Wright-Phillips after Claude Makelele had put him clear with a slide-rule pass.

In the 26th minute a mistake by Hahnemann almost led to Chelsea's opener.

The Reading keeper attempted to punch the ball clear but only succeeded in sending it towards his own net where John Oster cleared off the line to spare his blushes.

Chelsea finally broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when a fabulous cross from Ferreira was headed into the net by Ballack from six yards.

Reading had offered little in attack chiefly because of Chelsea's dominance in defence. But Stephen Hunt, a player booed by the home crowd every time he touched the ball, continued to probe for an opening.

Hunt, who left Chelsea keeper Petr Cech with a fractured skull in the fixture at Reading two years ago, was thwarted from gaining a clear run on goal by the legs of Florent Malouda.

But it was the beginning of Reading's best spell and they won two corners in quick succession - the latter punched to safety by Cech.

But Reading's endeavours were short-lived and Chelsea soon regained control in midfield.

Malouda tried his luck from 30-yards but he failed to hit the target as the home side continued to press for a second goal.

The Frenchman tried to bend the ball into the top corner but found his accuracy somewhat lacking as Hahnemann watched the ball float harmlessly beyond his right post.

In the 50th minute Chelsea should have been two in front when the impressive Makelele put Wright-Phillips in the clear for the second time in the game only for Hahnemann to deny the winger once more.

Chelsea's dominance continued unabated with Reading on the back foot for long periods.

Reading found it difficult to conjure up any real threat of note but they were given a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area in the 61st minute.

However, Hunt sent his effort straight into arms of Cech and the goalkeeper's clearance then set up another Chelsea attack that ended with a shot from Nicolas Anelka going just wide.

Moments later a free-flowing Chelsea move should have brought a second goal.

Malouda and Bridge combined on the left before the latter's cross found the head of the unmarked Anelka.

The home fans were expecting the ball to hit the net but the former Bolton striker's downward header cannoned off Hahnemann and out for a corner instead.

Reading were beginning to enjoy more possession and Chelsea required a second goal to make sure of the points.

Ballack's first-half energy had dissipated and the German international looked short of fitness as Reading began to boss the midfield for the first time in the game.

But their final ball was less than impressive and it allowed Chelsea's rearguard to snuff out the threat of Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle with ease.

In the 74th minute Reading had their best chance when James Harper got on the end of a cross from Lita but the all somehow got wedged under his feet and Chelsea's defence cleared the danger.

Ballack almost grabbed his second of the night when he got his head onto another cross from Ferreira but this time his effort was just too high.

Teams

Chelsea Cech, Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho, Bridge,Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 85), Makelele, Ballack, Joe Cole,Anelka, Malouda (Pizarro 76).

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sinclair, Ben-Haim.

Goals: Ballack 32.

Reading Hahnemann, Murty, Cisse, Ingimarsson, Shorey,Oster (Matejovsky 81), Harper, Hunt, Convey (Rosenior 85),Lita, Doyle.

Subs Not Used: Federici, De la Cruz, Bennett.

Att: 41,171

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).