Filed under: Reading, Leeds, Championship, Football, Match Reports
Leeds brought an end to Reading's eight-game winning streak but it still saw them edged out of the Championship play-offs.Following Nottingham Forest's win only hours earlier, Leeds find themselves out of the top-six on goal difference.
It's the first time since November they have been out of the promotion picture - although they will be kicking themselves for doing so.
Max Gradel and Robert Snodgrass missed late chances as Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy shone at Elland Road.
It was a result neither side really wanted though with games running out - but for Reading it's a point closer to the top-two.
They began the brighter but lost their way as Leeds piled on the pressure after the break.
Bradley Johnson came the closest to finding a breakthrough as his 68th minute shot crashed back off the crossbar.
Gradel was denied and substitute Sanchez Watt lost his radar as Leeds laid seige in the dying minutes as a jaded Reading side were forced to hang on.
But McCarthy, with a mixture of good fortune and top drawer saves, frustrated Leeds throughout as his heroics ensured the stalemate.
REACTION:
Simon Grayson praised his Leeds side after holding high-flying Reading, despite slipping out of the play-offs:
"People were questioning us and asked whether they have got the bottle after the last few results, but we answered that. The players proved we have a bit about us. This stage of the season you need to see your team fighting for points and desperate to fulfil ambition and that bodes well for us."
On the stalemate:
"On another day we would have won this game. We can't do anymore as we worked hard and created chances. We didn't get the rub of the green here."
On the promotion run-in:
"There is still so much to play for. We are out on goal difference and that can change in one game. If we carry on that manner and replicate that performance in the next three games we are in with a real shout."
Reading manager Brian McDermott refused to give up the ghost on side's automatic promotion hopes:
"It's not sad seeing a performance like that and a group of players put in everything. We have won eight games on the spin and came here and got a draw that doesn't sit too badly in my eyes."
On the performance:
"I'm pleased with everyone here who put in a shift like that. I've got to be pleased with the effort and composure. We try and win every time we play and it leaves us fourth and we move on to Sheffield United in good spirits."
On McCarthy:
"Alex pulled one out of the top corner in the first half and another at the end there. He is a fine young player. We are blessed with a lot of good goalkeepers at the club."
WHAT IT MEANS: A result neither side wanted with games running out. Leeds needed the win more than Reading, who will still have an eye on the top-two given their favourable run-in to the season. But there will be plenty more twists and turns still to come in the Championship promotion race.
LEEDS 0 READING 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Leeds (4-5-1): Schmeichel 6; Connolly 6, O'Brien 7, Naylor 7, Lichaj 7; Snodgrass 8, Howson 7 (Watt 81, 6), Livermore 6 (Kilkenny 46, 7), Johnson 7, Gradel 6; Paynter 5 (Somma 81, 6)
Subs not used: Higgs (gk), Watt, Bannan, Bromby, McCormack
Reading (4-4-2): McCarthy 9; Griffin 7, Mills 7, Khizanishvili 7, Harte 7; McAnuff 6, Leigertwood 7, Karacan 6, Robson-Kanu 5 (Manset 82, 5); Hunt 5 (Church 69, 6), Long 6
Subs not used: Federici (gk), Tabb, Antonio, Howard, Pearce
ATTENDANCE: 24, 564
REFEREE: Eddie Ilderton
NEXT UP:
- Leeds v Crystal Palace (away), Championship, 25/04, 1500 BST
- Reading v Sheffield United (home), Championship, 25/04, 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Alex McCarthy (Reading): Has enjoyed a long run in the Reading side and proved why he is keeping Adam Federici out of the side here.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/04/22/leeds-0-reading-0-united-halt-royals-run-but-left-frustrated-b/
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