Reading suffer seventh straight defeat

Updated 14.54 Sun Feb 24 2008
Keywords: nicky shorey, marlon harewood, ashley young, martin o'neill, steve coppell, aston villa, reading, premier league, football, sport

Steve Coppell's Reading suffered their seventh defeat in a row as they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.

Villa captain Gareth Barry missed a penalty in the first half but Villa recovered to open a 2-0 lead in the second half.

Reading remain in the relelgation zone

Ashley Young put Villa ahead soon after the break and Marlon Harewood added another goal late on.

Nicky Shorey scored a consolation in the fourth minute of injury time from a free-kick, scoring Reading's first goal in six games.

Reading remain in the relegation zone, one point behind Birmingham City.

Villa stay in sixth place but they are now level on points with Liverpool and Everton.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.