READING, England - Pavel Pogrebnyak's early goal earned Reading a 1-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, provisionally lifting his team three points clear of last-place Queens Park Rangers in the standings.

The Russia striker latched onto a poor back pass by defender James Collins and planted a low finish into the corner in the fifth minute.

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici produced some fine saves to preserve the lead and ensure the team won only its second game of the campaign.

The hosts are still five points adrift of safety in their first season back in the English top flight.

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