READING FC came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Watford on Saturday afternoon at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Slaven Bilic’s men opened the scoring thanks to a first-half goal from Ismaila Sarr, who tapped in from point-blank range after Mario Gaspar found Henrique Araujo inside Reading’s box.
New signing Ryan Porteous rose highest to head home a corner in the 48th minute and double the Hornets’ lead.
Reading pulled one back through Tom Ince, who tucked home from the spot after Shane Long earned his side penalty just past the hour mark.
Jeff Hendrick completed the comeback with a well-executed volley and earned his side a valuable point.
Joe Lumley 6: Made a great save to deny Sarr early in the second half. Could arguably have done better with Araujo’s cross for Sarr’s goal.
Andy Yiadom 5: Had more joy going forward in the second half. Struggled to contain the threat down Watford’s left however.
Amadou Mbengue 6: A little shaky. Tasked with picking up the mercurial Sarr and picked up a first-half booking for his troubles. Grew into the game.
Tom Holmes 7: Solid. Was caught the wrong side of Sarr for the opener, but imposed his physicality on Watford’s front line.
Tom McIntyre 5: Poor. Caught out for both goals and struggled to handle Martins and Araujo and offered little going forward barring the occasional foray.
Junior Hoilett 5: Offered an outlet down Reading’s left, but switched off to let Araujo in behind for Watford’s opener. Tired and was replaced by Azeez.
Mamadou Loum 5: Unable to assert his control over the Hornets’ midfield duo of Bacuna and Choudhury but improved as the game wore on.
Cesare Casadei 5: Never really settled into the game and was replaced by Fornah early in the second half.
Jeff Hendrick 6: What a hit to make it 2-2. Didn’t have the impact on the midfield he would have wanted, but more than made up for it with his goal.
Tom Ince 7: The driving force behind the team once again. Brought the energy and linked up with his teammates well.
Shane Long 5: Isolated. Was limited to long balls and struggled to bring in his teammates. Used his experience to win a penalty for his side. Missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-2.
Tyrese Fornah 5: A steady showing off the bench from the midfielder.
Femi Azeez 6: Slotted in well at left wing-back spot and brought the ball forward.
Scott Dann: N/A
Yakou Meite: N/A
Subs: Bouzanis, Joao, Guinness-Walker
