Fulham 0 Reading 1:  A penalty from Republic of Ireland international Kevin Doyle earned victory over 10-man Fulham and made it three Premiership wins in a row for Reading.

Doyle slotted home in the 17th minute after he was brought down in the area, with Ian Pearce given a straight red card for his foul on the six-yard line.

The newly-promoted Royals, who continue to impress as they establish themselves in the top half of the Premiership, held on despite pressure from the hosts and a penalty appeal when Tomasz Radzinski went over in the area.

Tipped for relegation at the start of the season, Reading's high-tempo game caused Fulham problems and Doyle's work in attack always threatened.

The Wexford man has scored in each game of the three-match winning sequence they have put together and he made an explosive start in this game.

Glen Little guided the ball over the top for James Harper to chase on the right and he fed Doyle, who took a touch and was tripped in the six-yard area by Pearce.

The Fulham defender was dismissed with a straight red card and Doyle sent Antti Niemi the wrong way.

Fulham felt they should have had a penalty in the 59th minute but Dermot Gallagher awarded a goal kick when Radzinski went down in the penalty area under the challenge of Nicky Shorey.

Fulham attacked with purpose as the game wore on but struggled with their final pass, while Doyle's work for the visitors meant they were always a threat.