LAWRIE SANCHEZ'S first match as Fulham boss ended in defeat as Stephen Hunt scored the winner for Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Sanchez has got the better of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Luis Aragones while manager of Northern Ireland but could not find a way past Steve Coppell's Royals, for whom European qualification remains a possibility.

Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle had the first sight of goal but stabbed wide on the six-yard line after Brynjar Gunnarsson's scuffed shot from a corner.

Shortly afterwards at the other end Ian Pearce lifted the easiest of chances over the bar when a corner was flicked on and found him unmarked. Pearce was made to rue his miss, with the hosts taking the lead in the 15th minute.

Dave Kitson won the ball as Carlos Bocanegra and Queudrue failed to clear, which led to Seol Ki-Hyeon finding Doyle at the near post. Doyle smuggled the ball through to international teammate Hunt who found the top corner from close range for his third of the season.

Despite their best efforts Fulham were unable to finda way back.