The Royals arguably had the better of the game but the Bluebirds grabbed a draw which gives them the upper hand ahead of the second leg in Wales.

It was a game of few genuine chances although Federici was called into action a few times, including a smart save from Craig Bellamy's 11th-minute effort and another from Jay Bothroyd's strike from a set-piece.

The Socceroo almost made a hash of things late on when he flapped at a deep free-kick but Cardiff couldn't capitalise as it ended goalless.

Elsewhere overnight, in Ireland's Premier Division, Aussie goalkeeper Chris O'Connor played a full game as Bohemians won 2-0 at Galway United.