Shaun Goater fired Reading back into the First Division play-off picture on Saturday when he returned to start his first game in more than a month and scored the only goal in a 1-0 away victory over fellow promotion hopefuls and FA Cup finalists Millwall.

Goater, who had been left out of the Royals? starting eleven by boss Steve Coppell since returning to play for Bermuda against Nicaragua last month, made an immediate impression on his return.

From a John Salako corner in the 16th minute, the Bermudian found time to pick his spot and volley home. It was his 12th goal of the season.

Goater played 81 minutes before being substituted by fellow striker Lloyd Oswusu.

Reading now find themselves in ninth place on 67 points, just three points behind the team in sixth place ? the final play-off spot ? but with only two games to play. And one of those games is against already-promoted West Bromwich Albion next week.

For Millwall, depleted by injuries and suspension, the result marked their seventh league match without a win.

They hit the woodwork twice through Paul Ifill and Peter Sweeney but apart from that rarely looked like getting back on even terms in front of a disappointing crowd of just 12,535.

Dave Kitson missed a chance to put Reading further ahead with three minutes to go after turning inside defender Darren Ward only to shoot wide.

Then there was drama in the final minute when Millwall substitute Peter Sweeney swung a free kick over the defensive wall and off the upright with Reading ?keeper Jamies Ashdown well beaten.