ON loan Burnley winger Glen Little went close to scoring on his debut for Reading last night - but he could not stop the play-off chasing club from suffering a shock defeat.

Brighton, fourth from bottom in Division One, won 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium, preventing Reading from leapfrogging Sheffield United into third spot.

Little, who played the full 90 minutes, had a header cleared off the goalline by Paul Brooker.

And then veteran keeper Dave Beasant did well to block out a ferocious right-foot shot by the Clarets star, who joined the club nine days ago.

That was the closest Little came as he played in his familiar role on the right wing.

Sub Jamie Cureton grabbed a late goal for Reading but strikes from Brooker and Paul Kitson were enough for Steve Coppell's men.