BLAME GAME
CHRIS Hughton refused to point the finger at goalkeeper David Stockdale as his Brighton side were pegged back by Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
The Championship leaders looked well on their way to securing a ninth win of the campaign when the recalled Jamie Murphy swept home early in the second half.
However, Matej Vydra scored on the rebound after Stockdale could only parry Nick Blackman’s strike from distance.
The hosts continued to push on and looked the more likely to net a winner, but their stubborn guests held out to leave Berkshire with their unbeaten run in tact.
“Maybe it was a little bit too entertaining towards the end, but it was a fair result,” said Hughton.
“In the first half I thought we were good, but this was always going to be a tough game.They have a lot of firepower and certainly know how to score a goal, and we knew we would have to come here and defend well.
“On the balance of play it was a fair result.
“I think you are always disappointed with every goal you concede, and there are always phases of a goal you can pick out.
“I’m looking at a ball coming off Stockdale, but before that, the lad has got an opportunity to get in a shot from a central position.
“Stockdale has been excellent for us. He made some good saves and commanded his area very well.”
The hosts were the more industrious side during the opening 45 minutes, and having weathered an early spell of possession from Brighton almost broke the deadlock from a set-piece. Oliver Norwood’s effort from just outside the box look destined for the top corner, only for Stockdale to produce a top draw save at full stretch.
Further chances for the Royals saw in-from Blackman narrowly divert a header wide from a gorgeous Vydra centre, while the recalled Garath McCleary and Danny Williams flashed strikes wildly over the bar when well placed.
While well organised and tidy on the ball, Brighton too had opportunities to seize the initiative. Only a Paul McShane block denied Tomer