Just as Sir Jack Hayward's expensive pursuit of his Premiership dream seemed doomed for another year, Wolves mounted a stirring fightback to earn a first leg lead in their play-off semi-final against Reading.

The tag of chokers which has been applied to Wolves appeared painfully truthful after Nicky Forster stabbed impressive Reading ahead in the first half.

And with Marcus Hahnemann inspired by the occasion, Wolves' fourth play-off semi-final was as unsatisfying and unsuccessful as the previous three.

But then Dave Jones introduced Shaun Newton, a surprise omission from the Wolves side, and the substitute levelled to set up a grandstand finale.

Driven on by their inspirational captain Paul Ince, rejuvenated Wolves snatched an advantage to take to the Madejski Stadium through their longest-serving player Lee Naylor, who fired a free kick into the bottom corner.

And a disastrous final 20 minutes for Reading were completed by winger Nathan Tyson's late red card for a lunge on Paul Butler which was rash if hardly malicious.

Newton's arrival - which coincided with the departure of the injured Forster - helped turn the tie Wolves' way, the former Charlton midfielder firing home from an acute angle.

Though Reading may feel themselves unfortunate as the final touch on the equaliser came from right back Graeme Murty, Wolves were appealing for a penalty as Newton shot, Steve Brown having upended Ince.

Referee Alan Kaye did favour Ince nine minutes later when another powerful burst was ended by Brown. With Denis Irwin's free kicks uncharacteristically poor, fellow full back Naylor stepped forward and finished with unerring accuracy.

Forster: 17th goal of season

Reading had been warned, Kenny Miller drawing a fine save from Hahnemann and Paul Butler inexplicably side-footing wide from just six yards as Newton's strike and an increasingly vocal crowd added momentum to Wolves.

Ince, possibly playing the penultimate game of a glorious career, made a frenzied start which contrasted with the torpor of several of his team-mates. But the Wolves captain did spurn a fine chance, heading a Mark Kennedy free kick well wide while Miller shot past the post.

And Reading started to exercise a quiet control. Inventive and industrious, the Royals' five-man midfield were the main source of problems to Wolves. James Harper, in particular, counter-attacked with pace and purpose.

Forster, the lone front man, occupied a Wolves defence in which Jolean Lescott was again outstanding. The England Under 21 defender, however, could not cut out Nicky Shorey's teasing cross which Forster converted at the far post, though keeper Matt Murray was more culpable.

Lescott prevented a second goal with a perfectly-timed tackle on Forster, but the striker exacted his revenge with a perfect turn and a low cross-shot which bisected Murray's far post and the on-rushing Henderson.

But Murray was not the busier keeper as, even when below their best, Wolves were starting to create chances. 

Reading's excellent defensive record has earned Hahnemann a reputation as one of the First Division's best keepers, but the American was surpisingly shaky when dealing with crosses.

One fumble presented Miller with a chance but the Scotland international, 25 yards out, missed the target. Hahnemann found redemption with a spectacular diving stop to keep out George Ndah's well-struck shot.

And the American's shot-stopping skils were again in evidence with a diving stop to deny Miller yet again. Wolves may have feared another hard luck story amid more play-off heartbreak; instead Newton's arrival galvanised them and a made them favourites to finally reach a play-off final.

Wolverhampton: Murray, Irwin, Lescott, Butler (Pollet 90), Naylor, Ndah (Newton 66), Ince, Cameron, Kennedy, Blake, Miller (Sturridge 86).
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Rae.
Booked: Butler, Ince.

Reading: Hahnemann, Williams, Brown, Shorey, Murty, Hughes, Harper, Henderson (Cureton 84), Sidwell, Forster (Tyson 61), Chadwick (Newman 72).
Subs Not Used: Watson, Ashdown.
Sent Off: Tyson (90).
Booked: Sidwell.

Att: 27,678
Ref: A Kaye (W Yorkshire).