Reading beat Fulham with Smith double

Sam Smith scored a goal in each half as Reading beat Fulham 2-1 to leave the Cottagers searching for their first point after four Division 2 matches.

With new coach and former Arsenal defender Scott Marshall in charge for the first time, the Royals took the lead midway through the first half when Smith (pictured above) pounced on a loose ball.

Elijah Adebayo levelled for Fulham four minutes after the break with a cool finish. But seven minutes later Smith restored Reading's lead when he again reacted quickest to a rebound, this time from a Josh Barrett shot.

Stephen Humphrys came closest to a second equaliser when his header hit the bar, as Reading held on to inflict Fulham's fourth straight defeat.

Reading, who are now eighth in the table, travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Telford on Monday 18 September. Fulham host West Bromwich Albion at Motspur Park on Friday.

See: Reading report | Fulham report

(Photos courtesy of Reading FC)