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Reading: Bond; Gunter, McShane, Hector, Obita; Williams, Norwood; Piazon, McCleary, Blackman; Robson-Kanu
Similarly to last week's outing at Ashton Gate, the Royals got off to a flying start against the Clarets, thanks to Nick Blackman's left footed strike. A deft flick from Hal Robson-Kanu provided Blackman with the opportunity to make it seven goals in as many games, as he drilled his effort low into the corner from 18 yards out after just five minutes.
Just four minutes later, the Royals extended their lead. A superb team move was culminated by Chris Gunter's sizzling cross from the right hand side being side-footed home by Lucas Piazon, scoring his first goal for the club. Reading's electrifying start almost saw them make it three soon after, with McCleary shooting just over after some nice interplay with Blackman and Robson-Kanu.
However, the hosts soon grew into game, having the majority of possession as the first half progressed, with both Michael Keane and Sam Vokes going close before the interval. Chris Long and Joey Barton were introduced just before the hour mark as the Clarets continued to threaten, with only an outstanding Jordan Obita block keeping Vokes out. Burnley finally found their breakthrough after 67 minutes, as Tendayi Darikwa tapped home a Scott Arfield cross from the right hand side to make it 2-1.
Steve Clarke responded by removing goalscorer Piazon for Aaron Tshibola to shore up the midfield in the face of this continuing Burnley pressure, with Vokes in particular remaining an ongoing thorn in the side of the Royals defence. The introduction of Ola John for McCleary on 81 minutes helped rejuvenate Reading's attacking flow, with Robson-Kanu having an effort cleared off the line. As five minutes were added on, the towering Jake Cooper was brought on for Oliver Norwood to help stem the tide as Vokes once again went close.
But the Royals managed to hold on for an excellent result, inflicting only a 7th defeat upon Burnley in their last 55 Championship outings, to move up to third in the table. We'll have more reaction up as soon as possible, including a full report and player ratings, so check back for that a little later this weekend.