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Reading responded to strong criticism from Steve Coppell, their manager, with a committed performance to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw away to Cardiff City last night. Reading, who had been reduced to ten men, equalised for the second time when Brynjar Gunnarsson stretched his right boot to meet Stephen Hunt’s cross early in the second half. But despite the draw, Reading lose ground on the automatic promotion places in the Coca-Cola Championship after victories for Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Reading’s comeback was marked by several controversial decisions by Peter Walton, the referee, who dismissed André Bikey for violent conduct to the astonishment of his team-mates. Reading’s anger was compounded when Cardiff were awarded a penalty when Walton adjudged that Marcus Hahnemann had brought down Michael Chopra.
The Times

Steve Coppell’s men may have lost ground on top two Wolves and Birmingham, who both won, but in the circumstances it was a decent result. Again Royals looked edgy in possession, but considering they were reduced to 10 men with just 31 minutes on the clock, they showed remarkable resilience. ...But while Royals may struggle to play possession football at times, there is no doubting their fighting spirit. Naturally they seemed content not to force the issue, but they defended manfully. Reading’s chase for an automatic promotion spot may have been dented, but Coppell will be happy with his side’s battling qualities.
Nick Ive, Reading Evening Post