Reading missed the chance to take a significant stride towards the automatic promotion places after a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Royals were looking to move to within two points of second-placed Birmingham who could only draw earlier in the day.

But Reading were frustrated by a well-organised Palace outfit and finished the game with 10 men after defender Liam Rosenior was sent off.

Steve Coppell was unable to secure back-to-back wins in the week he celebrated his 1,000th game as a manager - more than half of which were in charge of Palace - and his team were hanging on for a point at the end.

In a lively opening, Dave Kitson nodded Marek Matejovsky's corner wide for Reading before Palace youngster Victor Moses crossed for Antony Stokes, but his header back across goal was gathered by Marcus Hahnemann.

Palace boss Neil Warnock, in charge of game number 1,100 of his colourful career, was unhappy when John Oster appeared to be pulled back by Chris Armstrong as he burst through on goal, only for referee Andy D'Urso to rule the Reading defender had been fouled.

Coppell was forced into an early reshuffle after Jimmy Kebe pulled up injured, with Stephen Hunt coming on in his place.

Stokes should have put the Eagles in front in the 21st minute after Michael Duberry miscontrolled Shefki Kuqi's cross, but Hahnemann came out quickly and made a fine block.

Kitson felt he should have had a penalty when he was clipped in the area by Jose Fonte, but D'Urso waved away the appeal.

Palace skipper Shaun Derry saw a shot deflected wide and Hahnemann saved well from Nathaniel Clyne as the first half drew to a close.

And the American goalkeeper was called into action straight after the break, keeping out a low drive from Moses.

Coppell threw on Shane Long to join Kitson in attack, and the latter immediately sparked into life with a curler which flew just wide.

Moments later, at the other end, Stokes sent a free-kick just over the top.

In the 72nd minute Rosenior brought down Moses on the edge of the area and D'Urso had no hesitation in showing him a second yellow card.

Kuqi headed over and Moses fluffed a volley from Derry's cross as Palace went in search of a late winner but Reading held out.

Teams

Crystal Palace Speroni, Clyne, Lawrence, Jose Fonte, Hill,Moses, Derry, Danns, Oster (Rui Fonte 88), Kuqi,Stokes (Ifill 81).

Subs Not Used: Carle, Hills, Ertl.

Reading Hahnemann, Rosenior, Bikey, Duberry, Armstrong, Doyle,Gunnarsson (Cisse 50), Matejovsky (Long 63), Harper,Kebe (Stephen Hunt 18), Kitson.

Subs Not Used: Federici, Little.

Sent Off: Rosenior (72).

Booked: Stephen Hunt, Rosenior, Doyle.

Att: 14,567

Ref: Andy D'Urso (Essex).