Points shared at Bescot

OnLine: 18:00

Both teams began reasonably brightly but both were guilty of lacking the final killer pass. As the game wore on Walsall became the dominant party but were guilty of missing some good chances. After 10 minutes Jorge climbed highest to nod the ball to the advancing Wrack who fizzed a shot just wide from the penalty spot. A few minutes later some excellent wing play from Wrack almost resulted in the opening goal. He accelerated down the left flank, played a one two with Samways before releasing Birch who was denied by an outstanding Hahnemann save. 

By now, Reading looked like a poor team desperately short on confidence as their limited attacks came to nothing. Saddlers were fortunate however when the hopeless Owusu escaped the Walsall defence and with the goal at his mercy shot incredibly wide.



As the half hour mark approached Walsall finally took the lead as Leitao converted from an excellent corner. Unfortunately, Walsall were unable to push further ahead before half time, mainly due to a poor final delivery. As the half drifted into its last 5 minutes Reading fired a few warning shots across Saddlers bows as they had a couple of attacks that managed to get behind the Walsall defence. On one such occasion Murray who was completely unmarked headed firmly past Walker only for his effort to be disallowed for offside.



Many expected the Saddlers to cruise to victory in the second half but Reading had other ideas. They came at Walsall with wave after wave of attacking football. Walsall were seemingly content to soak up the pressure and hit on the counter. Unfortunately every clearance was picked up by a Royal who started off more attacks against a creaking defence. Walker pulled off his customary brilliant save to keep one out of the top corner before the inevitable happened. Roper ended yet another attack with a mis timed tackle giving Reading a free kick just outside the box. Shorey then brought the Royals back on level terms with an unstoppable beauty just inside the near post.



Still Reading pressed on with the Saddlers midfield and defence all at sea. Ten minutes from time and the Royals thought they had the game won as they had the ball in the back of the net for a third time. Yet again it was disallowed for some infringement or other.



With the game drawing to a close Leitao headed an effort just wide whilst Merson, a late sub for Samways, hit a shot a few yards wide. It was with some relief that the ref blew up for full time..



The so called supporters in the upper Purple who booed Lawrence as he came on in the second half should be ashamed of themselves. What a disgrace you are.