HOSTS SNATCH DRAW IN FINAL SECONDS
READING had victory snatched away from them in the final seconds of the game as relegation rivals Fleetwood Town picked up a point with a 95th minute leveller.
The Royals’ first ever visit to Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium looked to have been decided with 15 minutes to go when Wing made a captain’s contribution by bending a superb effort past the keeper from the edge of the box.
The hosts hit back through Brendan Wiredu in the final few seconds of the game as the points were shared.
Despite the draw, Reading move up to 16th in the table on 35 points.
Looking for three wins on the bounce for the first time this season, the Royals went into another contest against a fellow relegation rival.
Former Royal Charlie Adam was in charge of Fleetwood with his team occupying 23rd place prior to kick-off.
Ruben Selles side were without captain Andy Yiadom and striker Sam Smith which meant that Lewis Wing took the armband for the night, while Paul Mukairu returned to the starting 11.
Reading were forced into an early change when Jeriel Dorsett was taken off with an injury and replaced by Kelvin Abrefa.
A cagey first-half ensured with few chances for either side who were both evenly matched in a forgettable opening 45 minutes.
The home team had the best chance of the half when Promise Omochere tested David Button in the Reading goal as the keeper held firm from the header.
Reading’s only shot on target of the half came courtesy of Femi Azeez, who full of confidence following his brace against Charlton, saw his shot saved by Jay Lynch.
Selles’ side had the first opportunity after the restart when Wing’s volley was palmed away by Lynch just 90 seconds into the second-half.
The Cod Army thought they had taken the lead only to have their celebrations cut short.
A wicked delivery to the back post from Harry Boyes was met by Omochere with a diving header, but Button just about managed to scramble the ball off the line despite the protestations of the home side that it had crossed the line.
Reading then had a golden chance to snatch the lead when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan appeared to be through on goal, but he had the ball taken off his toes by Paul Mukiaru who was denied by the offside flag after planting the ball into the net.
A second change of the night from Selles saw Ben Elliott replace Mukairu for the final 30 minutes.
With 15 minutes of the contest to go, Wing scored with a spectacular curling effort to put Reading in front as he picked his spot perfect after Charlie Savage had rolled the ball into his path.
Ehibhatiomhan had a brilliant opening to double the lead when he was sent through on goal only to be thwarted by the keeper.
Selles opted for fresh legs in the closing stages with a triple change which saw Zane Monlouis, Jayden Wareham and Michael Craig replace Ehibhatiomhan, Savage and Abrefa.
With the game deep into stoppage time, Fleetwood struck a killer blow to take the win away as their skipper scored from close range.
Next up for Reading is an away trip to leaders Portsmouth.
Fleetwood Town: Lynch, Rooney, Heneghan, Campbell, Johnston, Sarpong-Wiredu, Kilkenny, Boyes, Omochere, Stockley, Coughlan
Subs: Broom, Samuels, Quintirna, Holgate,
Graydon, McMullan, Patterson
Reading: Button, Dorsett, Mbengue, Bindon, Mola, Savage, Wing, Knibbs, Azeez, Mukairu, Ehibhatiomhan
Subs: Elliott, Monlouis, Wareham, Pereira,
Abrefa, Craig, Rushesha
Goals: Wing 74’, Sarpong-Wiredu 90+5’