WBA move into third spot

Birmingham - West Bromwich Albion climbed to third place in the English Premier League as Romelu Lukaku's goal clinched a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday.

Steve Clarke's side maintained their 100 percent home record so far this season thanks to on-loan Chelsea striker Lukaku, who bagged the winner midway through the second half at the Hawthorns.

Lukaku's goal ensured Albion won their opening three home fixtures of a top-flight campaign for the first time in 58 years and also pushed Reading to the bottom of the table after their fifth game without a victory.

Albion started brightly and Chris Brunt's long-range effort drew a fine stop from Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

Reading threatened for the first time when Garath McCleary attempted an overhead kick which contained plenty of power but flew straight at Ben Foster.

Clarke's team remained the more potent force and Jonas Olsson's header hit the angle of bar and post from a Brunt corner just before the break.

McCarthy had to be alert to push away a fierce dipping volley from James Morrison as West Brom kept pressing in the second half.

West Brom fans chanted for Shane Long to be introduced and Clarke took notice, sending on the Irish striker after 65 minutes.

Just six minutes later the switch paid off as Long played his part in the winner against his former club.

Graham Dorrans's cross was knocked back by Long to Belgian forward Lukaku, who steadied himself before driving a low shot past McCarthy.

Reading tried to respond but the closest they came to an equaliser was a header from substitute Hal Robson-Kanu which looped over the bar.