Reading were forced to settle for a share of the points at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon after a Nicky Shorey free-kick smashed against the visitors' crossbar in the last minute of play. If the ball had found the back of the net it would have been fair reward for the Royals, after a much improved second half in which Reading so nearly did enough to win the game. Wigan topped the table before the game kicked off and had the better of the opening forty five minutes - taking the lead from a weak shot that was deflected past Hahnemann midway through the half. Wigan could have extended their lead with a decent effort that was just wide of Hahnemann's left post. A poor Hahnemann free-kick gifted the opportunity for the visitors to shoot at an empty goal but thankfully they put the ball wide. However, it was a game with few chances on goal and Reading's first of the whole game came just before half time with an excellent fast attacking move. Sidwell played the ball out from the middle into the path of Little who was steaming down the right. Little's powerful cross was met with an equally powerful header in the middle as Owusu rose to make it 1-1. Reading's strong finish to the half covered up what otherwise had been a disappointing half. The second half belonged to Reading with Wigan seemingly happy to take the point - Reading played some superb passing football, steming from Sidwell, and looked much the better side. Morgan seemed to be awake after a poor start to the game and twice came close to putting Reading ahead. He did very well to cut in from the left past two defenders and into the area before shooting low and forcing the keeper to make a good save, and followed that up with a snapshot from the centre of the area moments later. Morgan appeared to dive at the end to win the Royals a free kick on the edge of the area, to the right, and Shorey's effort beat the keeper but not the crossbar.

Following report by John Wells:
Recent results have cast doubt on Wigan's ability to secure an automatic promotion spot, but today Reading faced the team at the top of the league without their first choice strike force and produced a performance which must boost their confidence going into two tough away games. Before the game I would have settled for a draw but by the end I was slightly disappointed not to win. Had Nicky Shorey's last minute free kick been hit with slightly less power it would certainly have given the Royals all three points. Unfortunately his effort crashed against the bar with Filan well beaten.

Credit must be given to Steve Coppell for getting his team into the right frame of mind for this game. Owusu and Morgan were strutting around before kick off clearly eager to get at their opponents. Both sides enjoyed periods of pressure in the first half but it was Wigan who had slightly more of the play and took the lead with a huge slice of good fortune. Sonko, who otherwise had a superb game, lunged and conceded a free kick on the edge of the area. Mahon's harmless looking strike was deflected past Hahnemnann. The prolific pairing of Roberts and Ellington always posed a threat (when they were not rolling around on the ground that is!) but the Royals defence coped well. In fact neither side was finding it easy to create chances. Reading got the crucial opening just before half time when Little was played in behind the defence and hit a beautiful cross which Owusu thumped into the net with his head.

When the game restarted I felt the points would go to the team with greatest confidence and desire. As the game unfolded it was clear the Royals were the most likely winners. Wigan won a succession of corners early in the second half but Hahmnemann was not called upon to make a save. The crowd got behind the Royals and by the end Wigan were content to waste time and hang on for a point. Morgan grew in confidence in the second half and looked the most likely player on either side to score. He created the best chance of the game for himself with a twisting run into the box only to see his shot well saved by Filan. Not long after Filan again spread himself well to block a shot from the young striker. Reading took control of the game and were full of running. It was only the occasional heavy touch or mis-hit pass that ruined some promising moves. Kitson's presence might have made all the difference.

There was a lot of talk about Sidwell's performance after the game and I would agree he played well, but in my view Harper just had the edge if I was picking a man of the match. He was everywhere today and was looking very strong and confident on the ball. It looks like it could be Ipswich that everyone will be chasing for while now. Reports seem to indicate they are the team which Reading found it hardest to contain and they have rattled in a few goals this season, but I still have not seen anything to convince me that Reading are not good enough to go up this year.