Liam Richardson must have been delighted with the impact of his new signings Ryan Nyambe and Haydon Roberts. In match dominated in terms of possession by Reading, left wing back Roberts gave Reading the lead after thirty-two minutes. On the other flank, Nyambe, on as substitute for the last ten minutes, made a penetrating run, in possession, into Barnsley's box, creating the havoc upon which the free-scoring Marriott capitalised to fire in a deserved equaliser.

Reading's first goal originated from a typically astute Wing pass through the Barnsley rearguard to release Lane to fire in a low cross which eluded the Barnsley defence and the lunging Marriott finding it's way to Roberts who fired past Goodman from an acute angle. Barnsley to their credit reacted well and levelled the scores six minutes later. Barnsley 'keeper Goodman launched a long ball in the direction of Cleary wide on the left, and with hindsight Yiadom might have attacked the ball instead of allowing it to bounce into the path of Barnsley's young winger. Yiadom, backpedalling frantically, struggled with Cleary's pace, failed to sort his feet out, and allowed Cleary to ping in a low cross. The experienced McGoldrick was finding space all afternoon, and on this occasion, remarkably inside the six-yard box for a tap-in at the near post.

Reading came out looking sharper and more direct in the second half, but during a rare Barnsley attack Philips was given an alarming amount of time and space outside the Reading box to take aim and fire in a powerful strike. Pereira may have had it covered but a wicked deflection diverted just inside the post to put Barnsley ahead.

Having already brought on Ehibhatiomhan, Richardson reacted positively bringing on Ritchie, Nyambe and Keane to inject more energy. Almost immediately Keane missed what looked like a sitter blasting over a cross from extremely close-range from a rare Kyerewaa, but Richardson was ultimately rewarded with an equaliser igniting hopes of a winning goal. In the end Reading had to settle for a draw which consolidated their mid table status. Kyerewaa and Doyle were not a their best but still worth a place in the starting line-up, and the quality of corners crosses and free-kicks was quite poor from both teams today. In contrast there was some good movement and passing. Notably Marriott, though somewhat starved of possession, dragged central defenders out of position with well-timed running off the ball, and of course snaffled up a half chance to give his team a point. His overall contribution may not be the most significant but with ten goals he amongst the top scorers with best goals to minutes record in League One.

John Wells