SOCCER:LEEDS UNITED halted Reading's eight-game winning run, but the point gained was not enough to lift them back into a play-off place.

Nottingham Forest leapfrogged Leeds shortly before kick-off following their 3-2 home win over east Midlands rivals Leicester and while only goal difference separates the two sides these are anxious times at Elland Road.

It took several superb saves from Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to deny the home side, but Leeds have won only one of their last seven league games at the business end of the season.

Reading were denied an early lead when Leeds goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel darted off his line to thwart Jobi McAnuff.

After 23rd minutes Leeds mustered their first effort on goal, Jamie Livermore weaving clear and crossing for Robert Snodgrass, whose far post header was brilliantly pushed over the crossbar by Alex McCarthy.

Max Gradel than saw his strike fumbled by McCarthy and the ball spun just the wrong side of the visiting goalkeeper’s post.

Leeds were foiled by the woodwork in the second half when Bradley Johnson’s left-footed shot clipped the crossbar.

Leeds had a great chance late on when after Gradel’s shot was beaten out by McCarthy, the Ivorian winger crossed the rebound for Snodgrass whose header forced the visiting goalkeeper into another fine save.

A goalkeeping howler from Chris Weale handed Notts Forest a vital 3-2 win over Leicester to keep alive their dreams of promotion to the Premier League.

The Foxes goalkeeper saw Paul McKenna’s weak shot squirm through his hands to seal a priceless three points.

Two goals in the space of five first-half minutes from Marcus Tudgay and Matt Oakley had the teams level before Robert Earnshaw pounced to put the hosts back in front with less than 20 minutes left, only for substitute Darius Vassell to level 60 seconds later for Leicester.

Elsewhere, Scunthorpe drew 1-1 with Coventry at the Ricoh Arena while Crystal Palace were held 0-0 at Doncaster.