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Aston Villa kept up their challenge for fourth place in the Premier League with a win at relegation-placed Reading.

Villa’s Gareth Barry missed a dubiously-awarded penalty before the visitors went ahead when Ashley Young slotted in after a counter-attack.

Nicky Shorey had a shot parried as Reading fought back but Marlon Harewood curled in a shot to secure Villa’s win.

Reading efforts did receive a reward in injury-time when Shorey scored with a 25-yard free-kick. But the loss if Reading’s eighth on the trot and the foundations for it were set early on.

The home side’s defence had looked uncertain at the start and it was a sign of things to come as they gave the home fans plenty of cause for concern and Villa signs of encouragement.

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