Reading salvage deserved draw

Winger Hal Robson-Kanu scored five minutes from time to salvage Reading a draw in their penultimate pre-season friendly against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.


The match was a testimonial game for former Seagulls keeper Michel Kuipers, who has spent over 10 years with the South-coast side. Royals boss Brian McDermott appeared to drop a few hints for the side that will start in the Premier League against Stoke in a week’s time, by only making three substitutions throughout the entire game.


Brighton had the better of the first 45 minutes, with Spanish winger Vincente opening the scoring from the penalty spot. Shaun Cummings was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Barnes in the area, which on replay appeared very harsh. Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak went close in the opening minutes, but Kuipers saved well.


The second half was much better from a Royals perspective, with Reading starting to get into their flow. Various chances came and went for Brian McDermott’s side, with Le Fondre and Pogrebnyak both going close. However, a superb Cummings’ cross was headed home expertly from Robson-Kanu five minutes from time, to earn a draw on the south-coast.


Reading: Federici (McCarthy), Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, McAnuff (McCleary), Guthrie, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak (Hunt)