League leaders Brighton escaped from Madjeski Stadium with their unbeaten record still intact after hanging on for point following a stirring second half performance from the Royals which could easily have yielded all three points for the home side. After an uneventful sparring match in the first half, Brighton took the lead on fifty one minutes through Murphy who arrived at the far post to finish a move of the highest quality. The goal sparked an impressive comeback from the Royals which produced a deserved equaliser from Vydra following up a venomous strike from the edge of the box by Blackman. Brighton defended resolutely but a little more composure in front of goal would surely have given Reading a notable home win. If Brighton are considered a good bet for automatic promotion then so are Reading who matched them defensively and had the edge on creativity and attacking prowess.

Reading, still coming to terms with a defensive disaster at Craven Cottage last week, started cautiously and Brighton dominated possession in the opening quarter of the game. There was initially an edginess about Reading’s play and possession was squandered with careless passing. As the game wore on Reading settled down and began to probe and test the Albion defence. Albion were not too fussy about the manner in which they broke up Reading’s attacks and Sa and Blackman came in for some rough treatment around the edge of the box. Clear cut chances were few, but Stockdale had to be at his best to reach a well struck free kick from Norwood. Williams had the best opportunity of the first half when Blackman picked him out with a perfectly weighted pass but poor technique let him down and the ball flew high and wide. McCleary had a slightly sharper chance from a good move but his left foot strike was also woefully off target. Blackman headed just wide from Vydra’s cross. Al Habsi had only one save of note to make from Hemed. The final action of the half saw Blackman smash a long range effort over the bar.

Reading started the second half on the front foot but soon found themselves a goal down. A sweeping move down the right involving half the Brighton team was rounded off by Murphy with a composed finish. Reading took control of the game and set about their quest for an equaliser. Blackman could not get enough of the ball, and although he did not always make the right decision, he tormented the Brighton back four weaving his way through players on in the crowded central area. A classic misunderstanding between Hector and Al Habsi almost resulted in what would have been a fatal own goal. Al Habsi fortunately managed to scramble back and clear the ball as it rolled towards the unguarded net. That was the closest Brighton came to a second goal.

It was clear Brighton were not going to press to extend their lead so Steve Clarke made some shrewd tactical substitutions with just over fifteen minute s left. Off came Sa and McCleary to be replaced by Piazon and Hurtado. With Blackman operating exclusively down the middle he had more space to exploit in Sa’s absence, and Piazon and Hurtado provided a creative set up more adept at picking a way through Albion’s tight defensive formation. Blackman’s direct play and willingness to shoot finally produced the breakthrough when the power of this shot proved too much for Stockdale and he was unable to gather the ball. Vydra’s speed and anticipation allowed him to pounce on the loose ball and lash it gleefully into the net. There was still time for a winner but Brighton clung on to their point as Reading pounded their defence in the final minutes unable to find the finish their enterprise deserved.

After disappointing away results at Rotherham and Fulham it was re-assuring to see Reading are still looking very much like candidates for automatic promotion.
John Wells

It was a good away performance from Brighton, their goal was well worked but that was pretty well their only threat other than a lot of corners and Hector trying his best to score an own goal. Otherwise they defended well as we tried our best to score.

We have 2 or 3 really good chances before we scored and really could gave won this comfortably. As it was we missed those chances, went behind and ended up happy with a point, although I thought we'd nick it at the end. Blackman was a class above, he really is a football genius.

I thought we lost it in midfield without Tish or Quinn, with Norwood and Williams sitting deep in the first half, Vydra looked like a luxury. We just looked to hit it long to Sa or Blackman and build from there.

Second half Williams pushed forward more and we looked more of a threat but BHA we sitting back protecting their lead. Overall happy with the point, and looking forward to Tuesday.
PieEater

A good point against a very good Brighton side. When you think of the players they have missing it’s no wonder they were happy to defend in numbers and try to hit us on the break. As expected, we found it very hard to break down a two-banks-of-four defence. That our goal and Vydra’s inexplicable failure to score from an earlier opportunity were both on the break says it all really.

AL Habsi made a great save, Willaims was tireless and Norwood’s a real motor, but the plaudits have to be for Blackman. Not since Blakey in his pomp have we had a player that can weave his way through opponents like that. Add to that his work rate, his willing ness to track back, and the way he has really developed his link up play, he will probably go for a lot of money in January to a bottom-half of the Premier League side.

Two things though: Hector is brilliant one minute, comical the next (nearly scoring the own goal of the year, Al-Habsi did incredibly well to keep it out).

And Clarke for having the courage to keep Vydra on after fluffing his lines so badly. Sa was shaping up for another red towards the end. All-round a good bit of management. Point gained rather than two dropped, I feel.
Armadillo Roadkill