ROYALS BLUNTED AS BLADES CONTINUE PROMOTION PUSH
READING FC were unable to preserve their formidable home record as Sheffield United continued their push for a Premier League return.
Needing a swift response after their hammering at Middlesbrough, the Royals more than held their own throughout a goalless first-half.
But it was the Blades who drew first blood when Illiman Ndiaye met Oli McBurnie’s cut back to put them ahead after an hour.
Despite coming close, Reading were unable to provide a response and were dealt just their fourth home defeat of the campaign.
The defeat leaves Reading in
15th on 44 points from 35 games with a six-point deduction set to be announced in the coming days.
Paul Ince made four changes from the 5-0 thrashing at Middlesbrough.
He reverted to a five at the back formation as Joe Lumley returned in goal, while Nesta GuinnessWalker was selected to start at left wing-back.
There was also a place in the squad for former captain Liam Moore for the first time this season.
The Blades lined up with plenty of quality throughout their squad which saw former Royals Oliver Norwood and Jayden Bogle start, while prolific Championship scorer Billy Sharp was on the bench.
Tom Ince had the first effort of the game as he was given room by the Blades defence to drift into the box, but he scuffed his shot just wide of the far post.
United’s first shot came from Oli McBurnie who fought in the air to get on the end of Chris Basham’s cross, but he could only manage a tame header that was comfortably collected by Lumley.
Reading grew into the game and troubled the visitors on a few occasions with some neatly worked counter attacks.
United showed they still posed a threat when Sander Berge took aim from 20 yards with a curling shot that was parried behind by Lumley.
A swift counter from the Royals was led by Ince and Shane Long before Nesta Guinness-Walker swung in a cross towards Andy Yiadom that went well wide of the target.
Yiadom and Ince were both booked towards the end of the half.
The Royals showed more promise in the final five minutes of the half and almost had a great opening with Long free at the back