FORMER Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts scored the only goal of the game as Burnley were beaten in tonight’s Championship fixture at Reading.

Roberts turned Jimmy Kebe’s pull-back into the top corner from 15 yards to put the home side ahead in the 11th minute.

Before that, Charlie Austin had headed against the bar for Burnley after a fine run and cross from Josh McQuoid.

Reading came close to moving 2-0 in front just before half time as Lee Grant fumbled Ian Harte’s free kick and Ben Mee then made two brave blocks to deny Roberts and Noel Hunt from close range.

Austin had a chance to level early in the second period but he was denied by keeper Adam Federici when clear through.

Jay Rodriguez then thumped a header against the post – the second time the Clarets had hit the woodwork during the game.

Kieran Trippier then had to clear Jimmy Kebe’s header off the line at the other end, but Martin Paterson – making his return from injury as a substitute – fired just over for Burnley with another opportunity to equalise.

Rodriguez directed a shot just wide late on but the Clarets were unable to find a leveller.

Burnley: Lee Grant; Kieran Trippier, Michael Duff, David Edgar, Ben Mee; Ross Wallace, Dean Marney (Marvin Bartley 79), Chris McCann, Josh McQuoid (Danny Ings 68); Charlie Austin (Martin Paterson 68), Jay Rodriguez. Subs not used: Brian Jensen, Brian Easton.

Reading: Adam Federici; Matthew Connolly, Kaspars Gorkss, Alex Pearce, Ian Harte; Jimmy Kebe, Mikele Leigertwood, Jem Karacan, Jobi McAnuff (Hal Robson-Kanu 80); Noel Hunt, Jason Roberts (Adam Le Fondre 76). Subs not used: Mikkel Andersen, Tomasz Cwyka, Jay Tabb.

Referee: Darren Deadman.

Attendance: 17,185