MCINTYRE GRABS LATE WINNER
Reading 1 Sheffield United 2
READING took a huge step towards securing Championship safety with a stunning late victory against play-off chasing Sheffield United on Good Friday.
The Royals went ahead through Lucas Joao’s powerful strike but were pegged back by an Iliman Ndiaye equaliser with minutes remaining.
Late in added time, the visitors secured a crucial three points through Tom McIntyre’s strike.
The home side dominated possession in the opening exchanges but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities.
They could have been reduced to ten men after five minutes when Morgan Gibbs-White made a late high challenge on Ejaria, but he only received a yellow card.
Reading grew into the game and took the lead after 18 minutes.
Ejaria bypassed the Blades’ midfield with an intelligent pass to Josh Laurent who threaded the ball to Joao.
The striker allowed it to run across his body before hammering into the roof of the net past Wes Foderingham.
Tom Ince’s effort from the edge of the box forced a good save out of Foderingham after 24 minutes and a few moments l ater Laurent shot into the sidenetting from a tight-angle.
Reading came agonisingly close to a deserved second on 33 minutes when Ejaria intercepted a pass and fed it to Joao who turned inside the box but his shot clipped the outside of the post.
The hosts tried to force the issue but were reduced to longrange efforts as they struggled to penetrate a stubborn Royals defence.
The Blades continued to search for a leveller after the break but again couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Reading had appeals for a penalty waved away just before the hour mark as Ejaria appeared to get clipped in the area by George Baldock.
Sheffield United continued to increase the pressure and
Daniel Jebbison headed over after a cross was whipped in from the left.
As the clock ticked into additional time the home side finally found an equaliser. Reading couldn’t clear their lines and John Egan capitalised, setting up Iliman Ndiaye to level.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but with moments remaining Baba Rahman delivered a free-kick from deep in the Sheffield United half.
Michael Morrison won the initial header and McIntyre was the quickest to react, poking the ball into the net sending the travelling fans into pandemonium.