Reading 2 Coventry City 0

Micky Adams summed it up better than anybody. "Our performance would have been good enough to beat most sides," he said, and you could see it in the eyes that he was proud of his players.

But his Coventry City team lost, Reading won yet again, and continue on a march towards the Premiership.

It says much for Coventry's performance that Marcus Hahnemann, the Reading goalkeeper, was easily the best player on the pitch. He made three crucial saves at the midway point of the second half to ensure that Coventry did not bounce back.

The second-best player on the pitch, David Kitson, scored twice in the second half to ensure that Coventry's away form continues to baffle their manager, their players and their supporters.

"Reading are top of the table and playing with confidence," Adams said. "But I do feel I have got a couple of players who go missing in away games. They know who they are. We are at home next week, so they will be there."

Kitson took his tally for the season to 17 with two close-range efforts in the second half but the Coventry defenders, who otherwise performed well, will not be happy that such a talented player was allowed so much space in such crucial areas of the pitch.

For the first goal, at the start of the second half, a throw-in by Graeme Murty found Bobby Convey, who crossed for Kitson to slot the ball past Marton Fulop.

The second goal came courtesy of good work from Stephen Hunt, who cut the ball back for Kitson to score from two yards.

The goals stretched Reading's lead at the top of the table to eight points and extended their club-record run to 28 league games undefeated - although manager Steve Coppell believes the club will struggle to adapt in the top flight should they, as expected, secure promotion.

Coppell said: "It is going to be difficult for all the promoted sides. There is such a huge gulf between the investment on players. It is very hard to catch that up within three months. We would be hard pressed, like any team, to make that leap."

Coventry, who had won 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium for the previous three seasons, can be proud of their performance here.

Reading's first goal encouraged the vistors and, after Hahnemann saved brilliantly from Adrian Williams and Stern John, Marcus Hall struck a shot that hit the top of the crossbar. One knew then that Coventry, bright and enthusiastic, were destined for defeat.

"Some days, you go down with your boots on," Adams said. "We knew they were a good side before the game. After their opening goal, we had to chase the game."

And Coventry did that, superbly, but to no avail. Reading were so relieved that even Coppell managed the occasional smile.

"Our goalkeeper was the biggest factor," Coppell said. "He made four top-quality saves and they also hit the woodwork. Marcus has been terrific for us. He is a terrific kicker and superb shot-stopper. He has the World Cup in his sights [with the USA] and his performances need to reflect that."