Reading’s League One play-off hopes suffered a setback when they were held to an uninspiring goalless draw at home to relegation-threatened Exeter.

Neither side impressed in a scrappy and goalless first half but it was Exeter who provided more of a goal threat after the break.

Reading went into the game on a six-match unbeaten run, winning 2-1 at Wigan on Saturday to leave them just three points off the top six.

Exeter had sat three points above the relegation zone, having registered only one victory in their past 11 league outings.

Reading dominated the early stages but had little to show for their enterprise until Billy Bodin’s angled drive forced a good save from City goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

Bodin later saw a goal-bound volley, from Charlie Savage’s superb cross to the far post, deflected wide.

The visitors offered little going forward before the break but were vastly improved in the second half, going close on a number of occasions.

Ryan Trevitt squandered two promising openings and a teasing Caleb Watts centre saw the attempted clearance of Royals defender Amadou Mbengue cannon against the home crossbar and away to safety.

Reading responded belatedly and almost snatched victory but for Whitworth’s fine save to keep out a late Lewis Wing piledriver from long range.