News and Views
Two Goal Lead Lost As Reading Draw Again
06 October 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?
The Royals registered another 2-2 draw as the hunt for a first league win of the season continues. This looked to be Reading's best chance yet after they took a two goal lead in at the break. It was the home side that had most of the possession and most of the chances in front of goal but Reading's only two real chances of the half resulted in two goals. McAnuff was, once again, the supplier, as Pogrebnyak put Reading ahead on the half hour mark against the run of play. Just before the break it was two when Noel Hunt volleyed home from possibly an offside position.
Swansea continued the second half enjoying the better of the play and more than their fair shares of opportunities to score. Reading had Alex McCarthy to thank for keeping them in the game as the goalkeeper pulled off a string of impressive saves. With Swansea continuing to threaten it was only a matter of time before McCarthy was beaten - but when he was it was after a deflection with less than twenty minutes to go. The best goal of the afternoon followed shortly after to make it 2-2, and it looked like Swansea might complete their comeback by claiming a win.
However, with time running short, Reading also pushed forward as both sides looked for a winner. Swansea might have had a claim for a penalty after Shorey blocked with his arm, but Jem Karacan almost stole the win for Reading only to see his effort saved on the line.
Reading manager Brian McDermott claimed this was a point gained rather than two lost and the match stats would support that. It might have been disappointing to let a two goal lead slip but it was another vital point - and away from home. Reading's third point of the season was enough to lift them out of the bottom three. The search for the elusive first League win continues.
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