Reading battled hard to draw 0-0 with champions-elect Burnley in Noel Hunt's first match in charge.

A relatviely drab affair, the Royals defended valliantly to ensure the club keep the EFL record of most points in a season, as well as keep within touching distance of survival.

Heading out onto the pitch in a carnival-like atmosphere, it was unsurprising to see the league leaders dominating all aspects of the encounter. Forcing a string of early corners, the Clarets struggled to forge any clear cup opportunities. Scott Twine- formerly of Swindon Town- had the best of the early chances, putting a cross over the bar from in front of the back post. Content playing on the counter attack, full-backs and wingers were vital to the style of play. Femi Azeez was a constant thorn in the Burnley side, although his end product regularly let the side down. I

t should have been 1-0 to the Lancashire outfit on the 20-minute mark, Manuel Benson getting onto the end of a searching pass and thundering a shot on target, only for Joe Lumley to bravely dive at his feet and divert the ball away from danger. Lumley was crucial for Reading’s best chance as he claimed a poor corner and immediately pinged a pass out wide for Azeez to run at the defence. Having to wait for support, eventually it came in the form of Jeff Hendrick, who fired an effort well-wide. Azeez tried his own luck shortly after, but the ball drifted across goal for a throw-in as nobody gambled in the box. Johann Berg Gudmundsson threatened as half-time approached, firing a shot on goal, but failed to test Lumley.

The second half saw even more domination from the visitors, but Hunt’s men continued to dig in and scrap their way through the game. Gudmundsson threatened Lumley again, forcing a wild dive across goal, but the on-loan stopper was not needed as it was off target. Reading did have occasional forays forward, with Azeez at the heart.

The introduction of Andy Carroll, at the expense of Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, saw a less mobile front two but also a savvier one. Great at keeping possession, and making the Burnley centre-backs think twice, the Geordie linked up play nicely when given the chance. Full-back Charlie Taylor tried to make Lumley work, firing a shot well-wide. Substitute Darko Churnilov should have opened the scoring in the final 20 minutes, connecting with a ball powerfully inside the box, but he could again only send an effort to the left of Lumley’s upright. Despite plenty of huff and puff, Reading appeared to enjoy defending the closing stages, and the fans certainly responded in the home stretch- appreciating the effort put in by the young side.

With four matches remaining, Luton Town visit the SCL Stadium on Wednesday evening.