Energised by late substitutions Reading snatched a dramatic and unlikely victory after going into stoppage time a goal down to top six opponents Bradford City. After dropping points to stoppage time goals in their previous two games, and losing leading scorer Jack Marriott to injury, Reading seemed destined to slide further down the table and out of contention for a top six finish with a disappointing display.

As in previous games recently, Reading struggled to play their way out from the back against high pressing opponents. There were rare flashes of creativity from Doyle, and the back four coped well with City's attempts to create scoring opportunities. Reading's attacking threat was significantly diminished by the absence of the prolific Marriott. Ehibhatiomhan was willing and eager to fill the role, but he simply does not look cut out to lead the attack as the main striker. He failed to hit the target when given his first clear sight of goal, seeming to delay getting his shot away, and curling the ball wide from the edge of the box. He was not alone in his reluctance to shoot, there was general lack of conviction and energy going forward throughout the team.

The second half initially promised better things. Galvanised by the introduction of Yiadom at right back at half time Reading were on the front foot. Doyle had a good opportunity to put Reading ahead after fifty-three minutes, but with the ball sitting up nicely for him, and a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box, he leant back and drove the ball over the bar. Poor technique from such a skilful player was disappointing to say the least. Nevertheless, Reading were finding greater cohesion in their play. Derrick Williams squandered the next opportunity scooping the ball over from close range following a corner, but chances were coming.

Any momentum gained was lost on the hour with a lengthy delay for any injury to City's Baldwin. Shortly after the lengthy stoppage City took the lead when Pennington was given an alarming amount of time and space to steady himself a rifle an excellent strike past Pereira. It was hard to see how such a passive looking Reading were going to get back into the game.

Liam Richardson had nothing to lose in making wholesale changes, and what an impact those changes had, after the incompetence of the officials over the substitutions was resolved. The injection of energy, aggression and attacking intent in the final phase of the game was remarkable, and the lengthy delay which had disrupted the flow of Reading's play earlier provided the stoppage time to deliver their stunning comeback. Lane, Ritchie and Patton transformed the game instantly in Reading's favour.

Patton immediately made his presence felt with willingness to get on the ball and unsettle the City back four. Bang on ninety minutes Lane demonstrated the benefit of a more direct approach reacting instantly to an opportunity to hit the target. When the arrived at the far post he unhesitatingly buried the chance from a tight angle with a perfect volley. The goal ignited an unlikely comeback sparking the crowd and the rest of the team to life. Suddenly there was a belief and an energy previously absent. The glorious winnjng goal came from Ritchie who was moving menacingly around the box in anticipation of a Savage cross which before attacking the ball with intent and powerfully heading past Walker from close range.

There were a couple of scary moment before the final moments at the back, but Reading had basically overwhelmed their opponents who left wondering what had just happened. Surely Liam Richardson should be giving some serious thought to making changes to the starting eleven for the next game. This was exciting stuff and the fans will be wanting more of the same.

John Wells