Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann made a string of stunning saves to earn 10-man Reading a vital point against Blackburn.

Steve Coppell's relegation-threatened side had Marek Matejovksy sent off with 20 minutes left, after the defender picked up his second booking for a foul on Jason Roberts.

Sensing their opportunity, Blackburn poured forward - but they could find no way past Hahnemann.

The American international denied Roque Santa Cruz twice in an inspired second-half performance, which culminated in a fine late save from Zurab Khizanishvilli's header.

His efforts secured Reading a richly-deserved share of the spoils. Despite lacking a cutting edge, the home side showed greater hunger and dominated possession.

They came close just five minutes in, when Stephen Hunt sent a low cross to the near post. Brad Friedel was floundering, but John Oster arrived a split-second too late to capitalise.

Hunt, more than any Reading player on show, appeared alert to his side's predicament. He worked feverishly, and linked superbly with Dave Kitson to burst into Blackburn's box for the second time 10 minutes later - but this time he failed to deliver a cross.

There could be no questioning Reading's desire, but without real penetration their incessant pressure carried little threat.

Meanwhile, Blackburn sat deep and waited for chances to counter. Morgan Gamst Pedersen found space easy to come by, and looked dangerous burning down Rovers' left at every opportunity.

It was Pedersen who drew the first save from Hahnemann - five minutes before the interval.

After Jason Roberts' run was checked by Matejovsky 30 yards out, Pedersen stepped up and struck a blistering free-kick which Hahnemann was forced to palm over.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Reading pressed, but the end product was not forthcoming. Blackburn waited patiently, and sure enough chances arrived.

David Bentley blazed a stinging volley over the bar, and Santa Cruz sent his shot wide after being sent clear by David Dunn.

Meanwhile, yellow cards were being dished out left, right and centre. By the end of the afternoon eight players had found their way into referree Mark Clattenburg's book.

Matejovski's first caution came on the hour mark, following a crude foul on Dunn, and 10 minutes later, he was off. But Reading fought on, and will ultimately reflect on a game they could easily have won.

Hunt wasted two glorious chances - side-footing wide from 10 yards and then missing his kick with the goal gaping on 85 minutes

Reading refused to sit back, and inevitably Blackburn had openings of their own.

Pedersen came close, and with 15 minutes left David Bentley's free-kick found Khizanishvilli completely unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. The Georgian made excellent contact with his header, but that man Hahnemann was equal to it.

The Reading 'keeper's heroics ensured his team remain above Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic in the relative safety of 14th place in the Premier League.

Will Tidey / Eurosport