READING recovered from a goal down to take a point in the Thames Valley derby at Oxford United.
Having fallen behind to a Mark Harris first-half goal, second-half substitutes made all the difference late in the game.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan inspired the Royals in attack as his driving run and cross was turned in by Ciaron Brown for an own goal.
DAVID BUTTON 5: Was barely tested as Oxford only managed four shots on target, but managed to deal with crosses comfortably.
JERIEL DORSETT 6: Had a difficult time up against Burey, but stood up to the test before he was replaced by Mola.
TYLER BINDON 7: Showed some much needed composure at the back. Put in one particularly pleasing crunching tackle in the second-half.
AMADOU MBENGUE 6: Caught out for the goal as he failed to stop Brannagan’s cross. Grew into the contest having been asked to step in at centre back for the injured Tom Holmes
ANDY YIADOM 7: Strong defensively and made a vital headed clearance on the line in the second-half. In a good vein of form.
MICHAEL CRAIG 6: Picked up an early booking for a rash challenge in the middle.Broke up play well and managed himself well not to get a second yellow
LEWIS WING 7: Had a couple of sights at goal in the first-half, the first went just wide and the second blocked. Helped out defensively when Reading were under pressure.
HARVEY KNIBBS 5: As usual worked exceptionally hard but nothing fell for him in the final third.
FEMI AZEEZ 4: A quiet first-half and switched wings with Mukairu for the second. Swapping wings didn’t make too much of a difference. Not his day.
PAUL MUKAIRU 5: A quiet afternoon for the winger who was unable to make a great impact. Subbed off for Ehibhatiomhan.
SAM SMITH 5: Isolated far too often when Reading tried to find him with the long ball. Set up Azeez for a chance but he couldn’t break through.
SUBS
KELVIN EHIBHATIOMHAN 8: Helped change the game with direct running and energy down the left. His burst of pace on the wing and then into the box forced the own goal.
CHARLIE SAVAGE 6: Also helped to make a difference when he came on for Craig. Got involved in the middle by winning some tackles.
Clinton Mola 6, Ben Elliott n/a
