After falling behind to an early goal, Reading came back strongly in the second half to level the score through Ballard after fifty-six minutes. Dominating possession and creating sufficient good chances to win the game, Reading failed to convert pressure in to goals, and then almost inevitably allowed Fleetwood to take all three points with a stoppage time winner. The Royals have now gone six league games without a win and it is hard to see how they are going to end that sequence. Certainly a home game against table-topping Portsmouth on Saturday appears an unlikely fixture to end the current dismal run.

Reading, stunned by Lawal's second minute long range strike, found it difficult to get into the game against a physically strong Town side equally low on confidence and desperate for points. Reading looked shaky at the back at times and Fleetwood had chances to extend their lead. Desperate defending and a bit of luck kept them in the game. A slick move put Ballard clear in the box but the young striker inexplicably elected not to shoot with only the 'keeper to beat. Camara returning to the starting eleven after injury, lasted only half an hour before he was replaced by Azeez. It was not clear why Selles made the change, but Camara was not having much impact. Azeez made some positive runs and a nice touch from Ballard sent him clear on goal but Lynch stood up and kept his shot out. Fleetwood deserved their half time lead.

After the interval Reading looked sharper and more aggressive taking control of the game for the first time as Town began to look distinctly wobbly at the back. Only Ballard will know how he missed an absolute sitter from close range when Azeez rolled it across the six yard box after Wing found him with a delightful ball. Smith was causing the Town defence all kinds of trouble with his aggressive and positive running with and without the ball. In the fifty-sixth minute he outmuscled a Fleetwood defender and his deflected cross was tucked away by Ballard for the equaliser.

Reading looked set to go on and win the game. Wing had a couple of chances and Savage came incredibly close with a superbly struck effort from outside the box which struck the inside of the post, flew across the face of the goal, and ran out of play. Fleetwood did their best to slow the game down with stoppages for injury and substitutions and Reading lost a bit of momentum. It was therefore no surprise to see eight minutes of stoppage time allocated.

Reading's defensive fragility emerged again and the ball fell kindly to Vela in front of goal. Vela gave Button no chance from close range triggering wild celebrations down by the corner flag with several of their one hundred and eleven travelling fans. All credit the loyal Town fans for making such a long trip south on a Tuesday, and further evidence of the lack of common sense by the EFL making them travel that far in the middle of the week.

The last six minutes of stoppage time was dire. The ball was hoofed back and forth with Reading trying desperately, and unsuccessfully, to create an opening for a second equaliser with hopeful high balls into the Town box. Ehibhatiomhan had the best chance but a heavy touch put paid to that opportunity.

This is the sort of game Reading need to win to avoid a second relegation and they came up short. I still believe there is enough to build on in this squad to improve. Smith, Abbey and Dean were showing the commendable leadership on the pitch this evening, and Ballard, Savage and Knibbs have the ability to create openings. Unfortunately I do not feel Selles is sure about his best formation or starting line-up yet. Time is running out and we need to start picking up some points.

John Wells