Ince furious at dubious call

PAUL INCE was seething at referee Michael Salisbury after his Reading side were left still sweating on their survival chances.

The Royals tossed away an early lead as Steve Morison’s Cardiff secured their own safety with a superb reaction to last week’s humiliating loss to rivals Swansea. But after Lucas Joao’s seventh-minute opener, the match turned in the 59th minute when the Portuguese striker appeared to be fouled by Perry Ng.

The Bluebirds transferred the ball to Alfie Doughty – on loan from Stoke – who levelled with a coolly-taken first goal of the season.

Cardiff substitute

Will Vaulks then scored the winner with five minutes left.

Ince said: “It has clearly hinged on diabolical decisions from the referee and linesman – absolutely pathetic. Lucas Joao was hauled down and then the player looked offside.

“All you ask is that the decisions are right. This is the business part of the season, we are fighting for our lives. That could be an extra point for us.

“The referee was poor in many areas and they need to be accountable, but they hide behind people and don’t say a dicky bird.

“But we should have been 3-0 up at half-time, they were golden chances and we have to be more ruthless.”

Cardiff boss Morison said: “That is us safe now, 20 points clear with only six games left.

“That was the target when I took the job. It is a nice feeling.

I thought we had a reaction to last week right from the start of the game, the only thing wrong was their goal.” READING: Nyland 6; Yiadom 6, Morrison 6, Holmes 5, McIntyre 5; Laurent 6, Drinkwater 6; Hoilett 6 (Dele-Bashiru 60, 6), Swift 6 (Azeez 77, 6), Ince 6 (Barker 87); Joao 7. Subs not used: Thomas, Ejaria, Baba, Southwood.

CARDIFF: Phillips 5; Drameh 6, Ng 6, Bagan 6, Nelson 7, Doughty 7 (Davies 74, 6); Doyle 8, Wintle 7, Ralls 6 (Vaulks 63, 7); Hugill 6 (Ikpeazu 90), Colwill 6. Subs not used: McGuinness, Flint, M Harris, Luthra. MAN OF THE MATCH: Tommy Doyle: Key role in steadying the City ship after setback, and fine assist for the winner.

REFEREE: Michael Salisbury 6.