Bowen hails Cab

RAFAEL CABRAL showed why boss Mark Bowen believes Reading have the best goalkeeper in the Championship.

The Brazillian pulled off two astonishing saves to deny Cauley Woodrow within a couple of seconds.

The Tykes had won three games on the bounce to give themselves hope of avoiding the drop, but they lacked punch despite dominating possession.

In the end, goals from Yakou Meite and George Puscas proved enough for a Royals win.

But it might have been a different story if Woodrow had equalised on the stroke of half-time, but his first shot was saved by the commanding Cabral who then leapt to his feet to tip away the follow-up.

Bowen – whose own side were in danger of sliding into a relegation scrap – said: “Rafa pulled off a great save just before half-time.

“For me he’s one of the best, if not the best keeper in this league. He’s got a rich pedigree behind him, having played for Brazil and he keeps us in games at vital times.”

Meite (above, celebrating) managed to score on his backside when Barnsley failed to clear a freekick in the 17th minute and then Puscas gave Michael Sollbauer the runaround before slotting the ball past Brad Collins to make it 2-0.

Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber admitted the efforts exerted in a golden 10 days that brought victories over Fulham, Middlesbrough and Hull had taken its toll.

“Today, the battery was low,” he said. “We were not ready for a big fight.”

READING

BARNSLEY