Reading lost their first goal in eleven games as they were deservedly beaten by a resolute Peterborough side 3-1. Reading took the lead in this game through Noel Hunt but two quickfire goals was to be the Royals` downfall.
Royals boss Brian McDermott decided to stick with the same line-up that bet Barnsley 4-0 just three days ago, but it was the hosts that had the better of the opening exchanges. The Posh were getting joy down the flanks through the likes of Frecklington and Tomlin but couldn`t create any clear cut chances.
Reading`s only half chance in the opening 15 minutes fell to captain Jobi McAnuff as he volley wide, after his own cross was cleared back to him. Mikele Leigertwood then had a wild effort of his own before the Royals took the lead on 20 minutes.
Winger Jimmy Kebe showed signs of returning to his old self, as he beat three Posh players before sending in a cross which was parried by goalkeeper Jones, which allowed Noel Hunt to swivel from 5 yard and put the Royals one up.
The visitors came close to a second goal as McAnuff`s header was all set to go in before a Posh player deflected it wide. Brian McDermott`s men were then to curse their luck as Boro equalised through George Boyd, striking home from 12 yards as Reading failed to clear a corner.
This goal gave the home side their needed lift, with Lee Frecklington shooting wide from the edge of the box. Federici was then called into action as he saved from Taylor`s deflected effort, but from the resulting corner the hosts went in front.
Striker Tyrone Barnett has had a very good start to his Peterborough career and added to his tally this game, as he headed home unmarked from Grant McCann corner to turn the game on its head.
Reading looked clearly shell-shocked by this goal and struggled to formulate a response. Kebe attempted a volley in the box after good play from Roberts but the Posh came close to extending their lead after a fine effort from Lee Tomlin, which was well saved by Adam Federici.
Brian McDermott would have wanted a response from his side that looked very shaky in the first period. However, they started the second half on top. McAnuff and Roberts linking up was causing plenty of problems for the Peterborough defence.
Posh striker Tyrone Barnett was extremely close to adding his second of the night, as his effort from a tight angle struck the post after good work from the influential George Boyd. Reading continued to press for the all crucial equaliser but couldn`t create any clear cut chances.
Although, the home side all but sealed the game with five minutes remaining. A simple long ball down the middle was chased down by Paul Taylor, beating the Royals defence for pace to advance onto Federici and slot home calmly to put the game beyond doubt.
Many would struggle to argue against a result which was deservedly won Darren Ferguson`s players. Despite Southampton winning and extending their gap at the top, West Ham slipped up at home to Middlesbrough as they drew 1-1, meaning the Royals still sit second in the table.
Peterborough: Jones, Alcock, Zakuani, Rowe, Brisley, Frecklington, McCann, Boyd, Tomlin, Taylor, Barnett
Subs: Lewis, Little, Kearns, Ball, Sinclair
Reading: Federici, Mullins, Pearce, Gorkss, Harte, Kebe, Leigertwood, Karacan, McAnuff, Roberts, Hunt
Subs: Federici, Tabb, Robson-Kanu, Church, Le Fondre
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