READING moved back into the Championship play-off places after they drew 1-1 with league leaders Leicester City, at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night.

The Royals are now sixth in the table ahead of Brighton and Ipswich on goal difference.

It was the home side who took the lead, as Alex Pearce got his head onto Jordan Obita’s free-kick after 16 minutes.

Only a fine save from Kasper Schmeichel denied Reading a second from Jobi McAnuff's close-range effort.

Leicester levelled before half-time as defender Danny Drinkwater fired home.

After the break, Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak's came closest to a winner as his header hit the post.

The Royals were reduced to 10 men four minutes from time, after sub Mikele Leigertwood was dismissed after he received a second yellow card.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins said: It's a very important point that puts us back in the play-offs with four games to go.”

Next up for the Royals is a trip to promotion rivals Wigan on Friday (kick-off 3pm) and then on Tuesday they entertain Middlesbrough (kick-off 8pm).