No presents for Reading in Santa’s sack

READING rounded off 2018 with just one point and no goals from the first three of their festive fixtures.

Scott Marshall took caretaker charge for the final time when Middlesbrough visited Madejski Stadium on Saturday, December 23 and despite some encouraging signs, could not prevent a 1-0 defeat after a late George Friend winner.

The score was the same again on Boxing Day when the Royals visited Millwall.

New boss Jose Gomes led the team out for the first time but saw his side get off to a nightmare start, falling 1-0 down when Jed Wallace curled in a free-kick in the eighth minute.

Tyler Blackett was then sent off moments later following a reckless challenge leaving Gomes’ men with a mountain to climb.

To their credit Reading dug in and created some chances with

John Swift striking the crossbar from a free-kick but any momentum was halted when Leandro Bacuna was also dismissed for an alleged stamp as Millwall held on for all three points.

Gomes then took his Royals to in-form Queens Park Rangers on Saturday and picked up the first point of the Portuguese’s reign.

Reading dominated possession during the first half at Loftus Road with Reading beginning to take on board the new style of play demanded of them but Toni Leistner did hit the crossbar for the hosts.

QPR boss Steve McClaren admitted his side were fortunate to be level at the break and they improved after the restart with Anssi Jaakkola called into fine stops to deny Pawel Wszolek and Luke Freeman.

Leistner again hit the crossbar as the hosts started to ramp up some pressure but at the other end Omar Richards went close for the Royals.

And Gomes’ men almost snatched victory at the death as Mo Barrow led a break and picked out Danny Loader, whose shot was tipped wide by goalkeeper Joe Lumley as the spoils were shared in a goalless draw.