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Reading were held to a third consecutive Championship draw by a spirited Watford. The visitors took the lead when Shane Long beat the offside trap and crossed for Noel Hunt, who scored for the third time in as many games. But Watford battled back to level before the break as Troy Deeney powered in a header from Jordon Mutch's corner. Malky Mackay's side poured forward in search of a winner but found Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici on top form. Jobi McAnuff threatened against his former club with a mazy run before Hunt put the Royals ahead in the 15th minute. Long broke the offside trap to race clear down the left and had the presence of mind to pick out his Republic of Ireland compatriot in the middle for a low finish.

Watford's equaliser came against the run of play five minutes before half-time as Deeney was left unmarked to head home. Hunt smashed in a fine strike right on the stroke of half-time to force a good save from Loach but the England Under-21 man got right behind it to hold on. Reading continued to press after the break and Long was then denied by Loach before midfielder Jem Karacan put the rebound over the bar. Loach had been in fine form to keep out the Royals but was fortunate not to concede a penalty late on when he appeared to barge into Long while coming to catch the ball from a cross.
BBC Sport