Barnsley v Reading

After a battling first half display Barnsley were ripped apart by 4 second half goals from Reading side with their thoughts set on automatic promotion. Reading ran out comfortable winners in the end to make it 9 wins out of 10.

With less than a minute on the clock Roberts put Hunt clean through on goal only for Luke Steele to produce a wonderful save to prevent Barnsley from going behind.

Youngster Danny Rose fancied a dig from 45 yards but his ambitious effort drifted wide. Rose was certainly showing no fear on his full debut and showed a determination not seen in some of the other players.

Again Rose showed creativity setting up Smith to cross. His effort was almost diverted in to his own goal by Pearce.

McAnuff, a threat for the visitors all afternoon, turned Wiseman inside out on the edge of the box before unleashing a curling effort wide. McAnuff later tried a lob following a Steele clearance but his effort sailed over the bar.

Davies, lively and direct during the first half, bent over a 20 yard free kick after winning the set piece himself.

Steele had to smother a Roberts effort. Roberts despite now being at veteran stage being a constant thorn in Barnsley`s side.

Steele then made a good save to his right after Leigertwood took aim from distance. He then missed a good chance from a corner blazing wide from 8 yards.

A Davies delivery was cleared by Mullins with Nouble lurking but chances were limited for the reds in the first half.

Half time came with honours even. Reading had certainly had the better of the chances but Barnsley had done well and matched them for the most part.

The second half however was a different story. Just 2 minutes in and Reading took the lead. McAnuff with a simple finish after Roberts teed him up.

Two minutes later and the visitors doubled their lead. Karacan lashed a loose ball in to the roof of the net.

Barnsley would have been disappointed with their defending and needed a miracle now.

Karacan then let fly from 25 yards to put the game beyond Barnsley before Roberts scored in the 90th minute to make it 4 for Reading.

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