ROYALS SEAL LEAGUE ONE SAFETY WITH AWAY POINT AT BARNSLEY
READING FC moved another point towards securing League One safety as they picked up a point against play-off chasing Barnsley.
Lewis Wing had given the Royals an 81st minute lead before Fabio Jalo’s goal levelled up a minute later to share the points
Despite Burton Albion’s victory, the Royals remain nine points above the relegation zone after
Port Vale squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2.
The Royals went into the game on the verge of League One safety following their away win at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
Knowing a win could mathematically secure survival, Barnsley were fighting at the other end of the table looking to maintain their spot in the play-offs.
Reading could have snatched the lead 15 minutes in when a stray pass from goalkeeper Liam Roberts fell at the feet of Femi Azeez, but he was unable to pounce on the chance after his heavy first touch let him down.
The Royals went in front in the 21st minute of the contest when Sam Smith met Femi Azeez’s corner and glanced a header into the far corner to net his 13th league goal of the campaign.
Reading’s lead lasted less than eight minutes as the hosts replied with a swift counter attack that ended with a header from Adam Phillips at the back post.
A long break in play occurred after goalkeeper Joel Pereira had to be treated with a head injury, but was fine to continue.
Reading had an opportunity to regain their advantage during nine minutes of injury time in the firsthalf when Harvey Knibbs broke into the box before the ball fell for Paul Mukairu who was unable to trouble the keeper.
Clinton Mola then went close with a header after he connected with a Lewis Wing delivery only to be denied by Roberts.
After being assessed at half-time, Joel Pereira was withdrawn and replaced by David Button in goal.
Selles made a second change which saw Mukairu replaced by Ehibhatiomhan for the final half hour of action.
Button was called into action to prevent the Tykes from making it 2-1 when he grabbed the ball on the line to prevent Devante Cole.
Ehibhatiomhan made his impact as he flew to the byline and cut back for Smith who completely scuffed his shot as a golden chance went begging.
Wing then tried his luck from distance with a powerful hit that flew just wide.
The next change saw a change in dynamic in the midfield as Charlie Savage came on for Ben Elliott.
Wing restored Reading’s lead in the 81st minute with a trademark strike as he slammed the ball past the keeper from 25 yards.
But the hosts responded just a minute later when Favio Jalo’s shot was deflected past Button.
That meant that the points were shared as the Royals on now on the verge of League One safety with two games left to play. On Saturday, they are away at Burton Albion.
Barnsley: Roberts, Williams, Russell, De Gevigney, Cadden, Kane, O’Keeffe, Phillips, Earl, Cole, McAtee
Subs: Killip, Cosgrove, Cotter, McCart, Watters
Reading: Pereira, Mola, Mbengue, Bindon, Abrefa, Elliott, Wing, Knibbs, Azeez, Mukairu, Smith
Subs: Button, Savage, Ehibhatiomhan, Wareham,
Craig, Rushesha, Ryan
Goals: Smith 21’, Phillips 28’, Wing 81’, Jalo 82’