Reading's six-match unbeaten run came to an end at the DW Stadium, losing 1-0 at Wigan Athletic in a game where they lacked any cutting edge in front of goal. 

Thelo Asgaard's first-half stunner was the difference in a close match between two sides who have received point deductions this season and are at the wrong end of the League One table.

Tongues were wagging before a ball had even been kicked, with defender Nelson Abbey missing from the matchday squad as rumours regarding his future circulate. 

Starting well, Sam Tickle was the first to be called into action as he had to simply catch Femi Azeez’s poor cross. Despite looking more than comfortable, it was the hosts who were far more potent in an attacking sense. Martial Good forced David Button into a smart save when he swivelled and shot on target in the box before Asgaard was picked out in the box and had a free header- only to direct his effort down the throat of Button. Reading’s best chances came on the 20-minute mark, with Sam Smith and Harvey Knibbs both seeing powerful efforts blocked well by Sean Clare on the corner of the penalty box.

The Latics took control as the half wore on and eventually took the lead just after the half-hour mark. Asgaard was given too much time and space on the edge of the Royals’ penalty box, leaving the Norwegian room to cut in and bend a terrific effort past the helpless Button and into the back of the net. Godo and Asgaard had more efforts after taking the lead, but their shooting boots were off target on this occasion.

The visitors’ best chance fell to Knibbs deep in first-half injury time. Lewis Wing’s deflected shot fell to the feet of the midfielder in the six-yard box, with the bottom corner gaping. Wanting more time, Tickle came out to clear before the former Cambridge United man had a chance to convert.

Roles were reversed in the second half, with Reading the side doing most of the attacking. Knibbs tested Tickle with his cross within five minutes, and Smith saw his header claimed by the young goalkeeper shortly after as the home crowd were getting a tad restless.

Pushing hard, there was a distinct lack of cutting-edge in the Royals’ play, particularly in front of goal. Despite dominating possession, the best chances of the game came for the hosts. Button was forced into two good saves after the hour mark, one from more than 40 yards out as Tyler Bindon was dispossessed and Matt Smith’s drive was on target.

Huffing and puffing, the chances just wouldn’t drop for Reading as the Latics defended their box diligently until the very end. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan had the final sight of goal for the visitors, but Tickle palmed away his strong effort.

Missing a chance to move out of the relegation zone, promotion-chasing Derby County visit the SCL Stadium on Tuesday.