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Reading FC: Al Habsi; Gunter, McShane, L. Moore, Blackett; Evans, Van Den Berg, Kelly; McCleary, Beerens; Samuel
Subs: Cooper, Harriott, Wieser, Kermongant, Meite, Watson, S. Moore
Despite dominating the possession at Elland Road, Jaap Stam's Reading side were unable to convert any of their attacking play into goals during a frustrating evening in Yorkshire.
Starting as the brighter of the two teams, the Royals began by playing the sort of passing football to which we have been well accustomed this season. They were almost rewarded for some early attacking industry with Joey van Den Berg and Gareth McCleary both going close in the opening quarter of an hour.
However, in spite of the visitors' early control, it was the the home side who drew first blood as Chris Wood drilled a low, right footed effort into the back of Ali Al-Habsi's net after 19 minutes. As the Royals continued to press, they were unable to forge any clear-cut opportunities, meaning that the scoreline remained unaltered going into half-time.
Liam Kelly, the only change to the starting line-up from our previous outing against Sheffield Wednesday went close immediately after the break, but his effort was dragged just wide of the post. As the hour mark approached, McCleary went close again, but he was unable to keep his headed attempt on target.
Sensing the need to chase the game, Stam made moves to bolster his attacking options. On the hour mark he introduced Yann Kermorgant in place of Dominic Samuel, and he almost made an instant impact, as he set up Roy Beerens for an effort that was well saved by Rob Green on 70 minutes. Stam also brought on Yakou Meite for George Evans, as well as replacing Kelly with the aerial threat of Jake Cooper, as the Royals went all out attack for the last ten minutes. However, they were unable to find a way through a stubborn Leeds defence.
Reading's night got even worse when Leeds winger Charlie Taylor was brought down in the box in the 90th minute, which allowed Souleymane Doukara the chance to double the home side's lead from the spot and send the Royals back to Berkshire empty handed.