DERBY County captain Robbie Savage had to take over as goalkeeper at the Madejski Stadium tonight as the Rams suffered a 4-1 defeat against Reading.

The Rams fell behind in the eighth minute when Shane Long opened the scoring for the Royals and the visitors then suffered another blow five minutes later when keeper Stephen Bywater had to go off due to an injury.

Substitute Saul Deeney replaced Bywater in goal to make his Rams senior debut.

Gilles Sunu levelled for the Rams in the 21st minute but Reading restored their advantage in the 34th through Jimmy Kebe.

An action-packed first half took another twist in the 41st minute when Deeney was sent off for a professional foul after bringing down Jay Tabb, following a poor back pass by Paul Green, to concede a penalty.

Savage took the keeper's jersey and then watched Long blast the spot kick over the bar.

Rams battled bravely in the second period before Reading scored a third in the 69th minute, Ryan Bertrand pouncing.

And the Royals wrapped up the 4-1 win in the 82nd minute through substitute Simon Church.

The victory moves Reading to within a point of the Rams in the Championship.