Matt finish for Royals with Joe’s late leveller

PHIL PARKINSON is the name on Reading fans’ lips – some chanted his name yesterday – as the search for Paul Clement’s successor rumbles on.

The clamour for Royals legend Parkinson, currently in charge at Bolton, to return to the club might grow after caretaker boss Scott Marshall’s hopes suffered a blow.

Rotherham left-back Joe Mattock scrambled home in the last minute to level up Sam Baldock’s ninth-minute opener.

Asked if he was prepared to throw his hat into the ring to be manager on a permanent basis, Marshall said: “I’m certainly enjoying it. I’m going to make the most of the situation and get as much experience as I can for as long as I can.

“I’m disappointed – nobody likes to lose a goal late on. I was a bit concerned we were only one up at half-time because we’d created some great chances to be out of sight.”

Baldock, restored to the starting line-up, made an immediate impression with a glancing header that flashed just over. But after winger Anthony Forde fired wide for Rotherham, Baldock struck when he beat Richard Wood and slid the ball into the far corner.

Reading might have had a second 10 minutes later when midfielder John Swift cut through the defence before dragging his finish wide.

Rotherham laid siege to the Royals goal early in the second half, with midfielder Richie Towell stinging keeper Anssi Jaakkola’s hands.

Josh Sims hit the foot of a post for Reading but they needed a goalline clearance to keep out Will Vaulks’ header before Rotherham levelled.

Millers boss Paul Warne said: “I wasn’t happy with anyone in the first half. I could have made 10 changes at half-time.’’