Reading decided not to put their names forward for the competition in this their first campaign in the top flight.

But such has been their good form this season they were in with a chance of a UEFA Cup spot going into this game.

However, Reading failed to get the victory they craved, although they played some good football and displayed a never-say-die attitude.

Blackburn took the lead in the 21st minute with Benni McCarthy's 18th league goal of the season.

He took full advantage after goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann collided with Shabani Nonda and spilled a cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The American was in some distress and came off to be replaced by Adam Federici.

It was a double blow for Reading, who almost took the lead after four minutes when James Harper swung in a corner.

It was headed clear by Blackburn midfielder Tugay but only as far as Nicky Shorey.

The full-back, who has been included in the England B squad, rifled in a volley that curled around the post at the last minute.

Then Shorey came within inches of making the breakthrough after 16 minutes with another powerful drive.

This time his effort beat goalkeeper Brad Friedel but came back off the inside of the post.

McCarthy put Blackburn ahead and almost added a second after 26 minutes, only to head wide of the post following a cross from Pedersen.

Reading, however, drew level in the 36th minute from a set piece.

Harper delivered a long corner kick from the right and Seol Ki-Hyeon powered in a header at the back post.

Blackburn should have regained the lead after 40 minutes when Christopher Samba peeled away from his marker following a free-kick from Pedersen.

But the big defender was left frustrated as he saw his header go marginally wide of the target.

Blackburn were caught out in the 48th minute and almost paid the price.

Seol released Stephen Hunt with a long diagonal ball and he raced in on goal but snatched at his effort and dragged the ball wide of the post.

The home side hit back immediately and David Bentley stung Federici's fingers with his shot inside the area.

Bentley then advanced into the penalty area in the 53rd minute and got on the end of a ball from Nonda only to clip his effort wide of the post.

Bentley got his reward a minute later by putting Blackburn ahead.

He will hardly score an easier goal as well, tapping it in after Pedersen's effort had come back off the post following good work by Stephen Warnock.

Reading roared back again, however, and Kevin Doyle pulled them level in the 59th minute.

He headed in his 13th goal of the season following a cross from Ulises De La Cruz.

McCarthy then squandered a chance of putting Blackburn back in front after 64 minutes.

He failed to take advantage of Pedersen's cross and scuffed a shot wide of the post.

Blackburn went in front for the third time when Matt Derbyshire powered in a header in the 67th minute - 60 seconds after coming on - following a cross from Brett Emerton.

Reading refused to give up and substitute Leroy Lita directed a header from a good position wide of the post in the 73rd minute.

Four minutes later they were again level through Brynjar Gunnarsson, who delivered a low raking drive beyond Friedel to make it 3-3.

Ivar Ingimarsson then found the net for Reading in the 86th minute only for his effort to be ruled out for an infringement.