Rowett is left to rue ref’s late decision
GARY ROWETT said Stoke fell victim to tiredness – and a refereeing decision – as Reading denied them at the death.
The Potters were on course for their first away win since October before Mo Barrow returned from illness with a stoppage-time equaliser.
But Potters boss Rowett felt referee David Coote should have seen a push on Tom Ince in the build-up to the late drama.
“I’m disappointed because I felt the game was always going to be a challenge, after Wednesday night against Derby for an hour with 10 men,” he said.
“To get to that position, in the 94th minute we should see it out. The referee and linesman make a decision – two yards from the linesman it’s a clear push on Ince.
“In my opinion they’re paid to get those decisions right – once more the official doesn’t do that.
“But there were times in the game where you could tell there was a little bit of fatigue there and towards the end of the game it would be a challenge.”
Stoke dominated early and both Benik Afobe and Sam Clucas were guilty of some misses from close range.
Reading punished the woeful City finishing three minutes before the break when Marc McNulty headed home an Andy Rinomhota cross.
Stoke hit back three minutes after the restart, when Afobe ran on to a lobbed pass by Clucas to slot past Anssi Jaakkola.
The visitors then took the lead in the 69th minute after Ince volleyed in after hitting the crossbar.
However, Reading started pressing themselves and Barrow found space on the left in the area to deliver a stunning conclusion to the game.
Royals boss Paul Clement admitted the last-gasp equaliser felt as good as a victory.
“It’s a good point in the end, right at the end of the game to score that late,” he said. “I thought maybe it had got away from us but I’m glad the players didn’t think that.
“We pushed really strongly at the end.”