Reading 0, Chelsea 1

READING put up a spirited fight against Premiership top guns Chelsea in the Carling Cup - but were sunk by a second-half strike from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

At a packed Madejski Stadium on Wednesday night, goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann earned praise from both managers as he pulled off a string of world-class saves.

He was called into early action, saving from Hernan Crespo and Frank Lampard, and, as Chelsea showed their class, Marcel Desailly headed over from six yards and Joe Cole dragged a shot wide.

Royals almost took the lead themselves after 18 minutes. Nicky Shorey whipped in a cross but Bas Savage's on-target header saw Neil Sullivan claw the ball past the post.

Hahnemann twice more saved well from Crespo, who also struck the post, and he also made a good block against Cole before holding a fierce 30-yard effort from Lampard to keep the Royals level at half-time.

After the break, the American 'keeper was busy again, saving from Geremi and blocking out Hasselbaink.

Forster worked tirelessly up front for the Royals and one typical chase saw him fire at goal from an acute angle but Sullivan parried well.

The visitors scored after 57 minutes. A quick break saw Crespo get to the left of the box, and, as he squared the ball, Hasselbaink timed his run superbly to sidefoot past the unlucky Hahnemann from 10 yards.

But Royals didn't give up. Andy Hughes was withdrawn as Steve Coppell pushed Savage up front. And Sullivan did well to hold a low 30-yard drive from substitute Scott Murray after a cleared corner.

The Royals' best chance came on 79 minutes. Kevin Watson delivered a corner to the back-post and Ivar Ingimarsson rose superbly to power a header at goal. Unfortunately for Reading, Lampard cleared.

Hahnemann saved an excellent Crespo header and one of his best saves of the night saw him tip over a 25-yard shot from Adrian Mutu.

Reading gave their best display since Coppell took charge.

He was delighted with his team's attitude and their efforts must boost confidence ahead of tomorrow's clash at Wigan.

Reading (4-5-1): Hahnemann; Murty, Mackie, Ingimarsson, Shorey; Savage, Sidwell, Watson, Hughes (sub Murray 59min), Salako (sub Tyson 72min); For-ster. Subs not used: Young, Newman, Harper.

Chelsea (4-4-2): Sullivan; Johnson, Terry, Desailly, Babayaro; Geremi, Lampard, Cole (sub Makelele 45min), Gronkjaer (sub Mutu 76min); Hassel-baink (sub Stanic 70min), Crespo. Subs not used: Ambrosio, Gallas.

Attendance: 24,107.