Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers managed to throw away a 3-1 lead inside the final thirty minutes in an enthralling clash at Reading.

With no Billy Sharp in attack, Dean Shiels came in to replace him.

Rovers had the first chance of the game when Federici kept out Coppinger`s low shot.

Reading took the lead inside ten minutes, a free kick into the middle eventually fell to former Rovers defender Matt Mills who tapped in from close range.

Rovers were level soon afterwards, Coppinger`s ball into the middle found Hayter and his deft header gave Federici no chance.

The home side missed a great chance to retake the lead when Long was clean through on goal. Long tried to go round Sullivan in the Rovers goal but the veteran keeper did well to claim the ball.

Rovers took the lead close to half time when a great in swinging free kick from Woods found the head of Martis and he couldn`t miss from close range.

Long missed a chance to equalise for the home side before half time but he shot wide as Rovers went in at the break in front.

Rovers made the perfect start to the second half when they increased their lead within five minutes.

Harte should have cleared a hopeful ball by Oster but he made a hash of his clearance, the ball fell to Shiels and his left foot shot gave Federici no chance.

Rovers were now in control of the game and Coppinger missed a great chance to increase their lead further still when he shot across goal when in a great position.

The miss was to prove costly as Reading had a goal back soon afterwards when Karacan headed past Sullivan.

The home side were level with just over fifteen minutes remaining when they were awarded a contentious free kick 25 yards.

Free kick specialist Ian Harte fired high into the top corner as James O`Connor tried to get back onto the line to clear.

The goal infuriated the normally mild mannered boss Sean O`Driscoll who had to be spoken to by the referee after giving the linesman a piece of his mind.

Reading won the game with just two minutes remaining when they opened up the Rovers defence down the left and the ball into the middle found Church who stabbed home.

Rovers missed a fantastic chance to claim a point with the last kick off the game from a free kick.
Both Mills and Martis were left unmarked at the back post with Martis eventually shooting into the side netting when he should have at least been testing the keeper.

A great game but a disappointing result for Rovers who must be kicking themselves for not coming away with at least a point.

Teams

Reading
Federici, Griffin, Mills, Khizanishvili, Harte, Howard, Tabb (Church 56), Karacan, Long (Hunt 56), McAnuff, Robson-Kanu (Antonio 82)

Subs not used
McCarthy, Cummings, Pearce, Armstrong

Doncaster
Sullivan, Dumbuya, O`Connor, Martis, Mills, Stock, Oster (Hird 69), M. Woods, Shiels (Webster 87), Hayter, Coppinger

Subs not used
G. Woods, Wilson, Thomas, Chambers

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