1 min
Queens Park Rangers were forced to settle for 2-2 draw with Reading in a pulsating match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation stadium.
After having an early penalty claim waved away, Nahki Wells opened the scoring with a low shot into the corner in the 28th minute for his seventh goal of the season.
But minutes later Ovie Ejaria showed good awareness to turn and play in George Puscas behind the defence, who coolly slotted home to bring Reading back level.
However, QPR regained their advantage shortly before the hour with Wells linking up well with Jordan Hugill who peeled off his man to make it 2-1 with the aid of a deflection.
Reading never backed down though and 15 minutes from time they found an equaliser through Sam Baldock who slammed the ball in at the far post to set up a gripping finale.
But as tempers boiled over, neither side could muster a clear-cut chance to snatch the victory with the point moving QPR up to fourth in the table.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Reading’s second goal was a lesson in how not to defend – a simple floated ball and header across goal found the QPR defence easily undone.
Moan of the Match
The win was there to be had but lackadaisical defending and inaccurate passing took an extra two points away from the Hoops’ grasp.
Talking Point
Stumbling ahead before passively defending a lead was the story of the match but could it also the story of a typical QPR season?
Man of the Match
Ryan Manning – a bright spark who showed real maturity in his decision-making while others around him did not.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire) – Some questionable decisions with his cards held tightly in his back pocket. Refused to award a first-half spot-kick after a seemingly blatant handball from Reading’s Andy Yiadom.
Atmosphere
Disappointingly timid for a mid-week clash in which empty seats were in abundance and the visiting Royals’ contingent fell well short of their away allocation.
Verdict
Mark Warburton will have to instil much more authority into this QPR side if they are to continue to push at the higher end of the table.
