NEITHER side could find a breakthrough in goalless first half between Derby County and Reading.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium in a subdued opening period at Pride Park Stadium.

Strike duo Steve Davies and Theo Robinson were both named on the bench for Derby following injury lay-offs.

Davies had not featured for the first team since he fractured his skull four months ago, while top scorer Robinson had missed three matches with a calf problem.

Rams boss Nigel Clough stuck with the same starting XI that drew 0-0 at Millwall on Saturday, with Paul Green continuing at right-back in place of the injured John Brayford (thigh).

Derby started slowly and might have been punished had Jason Roberts connected with Hal Robson-Kanu's cross in the 14th minute.

When the home side eventually settled, Adam Federici punched a Jamie Ward free kick as far as Tom Carroll, who hooked a volley back into the danger area but Callum Ball's header looped harmlessly into the keeper's arms.

At the other end, Robson-Kanu floated a cross just beyond the reaches of Jimmy Kebe, while Jason Shackell made a great tackle to deny Roberts a shot on goal.

In the 28th minute, Ball teed up Nathan Tyson, whose first-time effort from 20 yards was comfortably held by Federici.

As half-time approached Noel Hunt fired straight at Frank Fielding before miscuing a header from Roberts' centre.

In between, Jeff Hendrick's deflected shot from 20 yards was held by Federici.