Fulham’s penalty jinx strikes again in defeat at Reading

Reading 1 Fulham 0

Chris Martin had a penalty saved for the second successive match as Fulham’s play-off hopes suffered a blow.

Martin, unsuccessful from the spot against QPR on Saturday, was unable to convert a last-minute penalty at the Madejski Stadium.

The striker stepped up after Lucas Piazon had been fouled by Liam Moore, but keeper Ali Al Habsi saved to seal victory for third-placed Reading.

It means Fulham have now missed seven of their last nine spot-kicks.

Fulham keeper David Button also saved a penalty early in the second half, denying former Chelsea man John Swift after Moore had been fouled by Tim Ream.

But Roy Beerens followed up to score from the rebound and the goal was enough to give the Royals the points.

Reading almost scored a second when Garath McCleary’s stunning effort hit the bar.