Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers met at the Madejski in the Championship on Sunday afternoon.
The home side led 1-0 at the interval following a powerful header from Michael Hector.
Wolves turned the score around in the early stages of the second period with goals from James Henry and Lee Evans, but Reading were back on terms through Jake Taylor after 55 minutes.
The away side regained the lead five minutes from time courtesy of a header from Dave Edwards, but Reading secured a late point from a Glenn Murray strike.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Championship coverage continues from the Madejski as Reading welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers. Just four points separate the two teams in the table, with Reading currently in 12th and Wolves in fifth. It promises to be a fascinating encounter. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-date with all the all-important team news from this Championship clash.
TEAMS
READING: Federici; Gunter, Obita, Hector, Pearce; Akpan, Norwood, Taylor, Blackman; Cox, Murray
WOLVES: Ikeme; Doherty, Batth, Stearman, Golbourne; McDonald, Evans, Henry, Saville, Sako; Clarke
So there we have it. Oliver Norwood and Glenn Murray both return to the Reading XI this afternoon after sitting out the League Cup defeat to Derby County through suspension. Neither Danny Guthrie nor Hal Robson-Kanu have been passed fit, but goalkeeper Adam Federici has overcome a calf problem to start.
Former Royals @ScottGolbourne and James Henry start for @OfficialWolves. Here's @JemKaracan21 welcoming them back! pic.twitter.com/pddovutnD7 — Reading FC (@ReadingFC) September 28, 2014
Wolves, meanwhile, are still without the services of Nouha Dicko, with the striker struggling with a hamstring injury. As a result, Leon Clarke will lead the line for the visitors. The rest of the team is as expected, with James Henry and Bacary Sako both providing support in forward areas. Richard Stearman and Danny Batth continue in the centre of the defence, but Dave Edwards is named on the bench.
Reading enter this match off the back of a disappointing run of form, having lost their last two in all competitions. Last time out in the league they were beaten by Derby County, with that match following defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup. Prior to that, however, the Royals had won their last four in what has been a positive start to the season for the former Premier League outfit.
As mentioned, Reading currently sit 12th in the table having collected 13 points from their eight matches. They have won four times, drawn once and lost three. Their goal difference is zero, meanwhile, having scored and conceded 11 times. Victory this afternoon would move them onto the cusp of the playoffs.
Wolves, however, enter the match having lost just once in the league all season. They have won five of their eight matches, with a total of 17 points leaving them in fifth position. Victory for the visitors this afternoon would move them level on points with leaders Norwich City. Wolves also have the best defensive record in the league this season having conceded just three times - a very impressive record.
Wolves will enter the match off the back of successive draws in the league, however. They picked up a point on the road to struggling Blackpool on September 13, before drawing with Charlton Athletic at the Valley last time out. Kenny Jackett's side have only won one of their four away games this season, but have not been beaten in the league since losing to Rotherham United on August 16.
In terms of the head-to-head record between these two sides, Reading beat Wolves 1-0 when the pair last met in this stadium in January 2009. Reading are unbeaten in their last four meetings with today's opponents, winning three times in the process. Indeed, Wolves have not taken maximum points on the road to Reading since a 2-1 success in April 2005. Right, little over five minutes until kickoff this afternoon.
The atmosphere is really building inside the stadium now. Take a look at what Sports Mole's Championship correspondent Pascal Lemesre had to say on this match here...
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining affair at the Madejski. The home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
Bright start from the home side as Gunter looks long for Blackman, but the attacker can only flick behind for a goal kick. Wolves pick up possession in the middle of the park moments later and enjoy a period with the ball. It could be a game of patience between two well-matched teams this afternoon.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but Wolves are enjoying possession of the ball. McDonald attempts to slide a pass into Clarke, but Akpan is on the scene to close the space. Reading regain the ball moments later, but Henry picks the pocket of Akpan in the middle of the park.
CHANCE! First real chance for Wolves as Saville drives into the Reading box before facing up to Federici, but the Reading stopper makes a good save. That should have been first blood to Wolves.
Clarke continues to play on the shoulder of the Reading defence, with Henry and Sako both looking to find the run of the striker, but the home side have been solid at the back thus far. The noise is coming from the away supporters at the moment and it is their side that have made the brighter start this afternoon.
Just a reminder that three points for Wolves this afternoon would take them level on points with the league leaders Norwich City. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Reading just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the visitors continue to force the issue in the final third.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. However, there has not been a booking thus far. Blackman delivers a dangerous cross into the Wolves box after good work from Gunter, but Murray is flagged offside.
CLOSE! Reading have a free kick in a dangerous area as Sako brings Gunter to the ground in a wide area. The resulting set piece is delivered by Obita, but Cox heads just wide of the post.
Another half-chance for the home side as Cox picks out Murray inside the Wolves box, but his effort is wide of the post. Much better from Reading, who have been on top in the last couple of minutes.
The tempo has just risen in the last couple of moments, with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Wolves remain a threat on the counter attack, but Reading are now in control of the possession, with their forward pair Cox and Murray linking up in the final third. Still goalless with 17 minutes played.
GOAL! Reading 1-0 Wolves (Hector)
Reading take the lead on their own patch as Hector thumps a powerful header into the bottom corner after overcoming the challenge of Stearman. Brilliant from the centre-back, but poor from Wolves.
That is just the fourth league goal that Wolves have conceded this season. They just never recovered from the corner as Reading scored from the second phase. Wolves threaten down the other end with Sako, but the attacker loses control at the vital moment and the home side have a goal kick. Plenty happening here.
It has been a decent response from the away side, but they are finding it difficult to really break through this Reading defence, which has been comfortable since that early chance for Saville. The opening 23 minutes of this Championship contest have just flown past and Reading are just about worth their lead.
CLOSE! Murray tries his luck for Reading after picking up possession well outside the Wolves box, but his effort is wide of the post. It would have been a spectacular goal from the forward.
Much, much better from Wolves as McDonald fizzes a pass into Clarke, who turns inside the box before firing wide, but the striker was flagged offside. It was a tight decision that is for certain. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match.
Doherty looks in trouble here as the Wolves defender clashes with Jake Taylor. It does not look too good as replays show that the full-back turned his ankle on landing. Surely Wolves will need to make a change.
Doherty returns to the field, but I have my doubts whether he will last...
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but still no bookings from the official. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Wolves have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third.
Half-chance for Wolves as Henry and Stearman both go for a bouncing ball inside the Reading box, but the latter can only clip into the arms of Federici. Reading are down the other end with Blackman moments later, but the attacker loses control when attempting to cross towards Murray. End-to-end football.
Doherty seems to be moving pretty well at the moment following that ankle problem and delivers a cross from the right, but Federici is on hand to claim once more. Reading are down the other end with Taylor moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Ikeme. It remains 1-0 to the home side this afternoon.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Reading are comfortable with little over five minutes of the first period to play.
Another half-chance for Reading as Obita drives down the left before firing a cross into Cox, but his effort is straight at Ikeme, with the Wolves goalkeeper comfortable. The away side are down the other end moments later, but there are no takers on Golbourne's low cross into the box.
The tempo has just risen in the last couple of moments, with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Doherty delivers another dangerous cross into the Reading box, but Gunter just does enough to clear. Henry then wins a corner for Wolves during a high-tempo period of the match. Can they equalise?!
Possession football from Reading in the latter stages of the first period, but Wolves are intent on regaining the ball. Bright end to the first half from both sides, but Reading remain 1-0 ahead.
BOOKING! Taylor goes into the book for Reading following a late challenge on McDonald.
We are into the second of three additional minutes this afternoon.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period, with Reading enjoying possession just inside the Wolves half. That should be just about that for this half.
HALF-TIME: Reading 1-0 Wolves
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Reading leading 1-0 courtesy of a powerful header from Michael Hector. Wolves have had their moments, but clear chances have been few and far between at the Madejski. It is delicately poised ahead of the second 45 minutes.
STATS! Wolves have just about shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had five attempts, four of which have been on target. Reading, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their five attempts. There has been just the one booking, with Taylor carded late in the half for Reading.
BENCH WATCH! Reading have plenty of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Guthrie, Mackie and Pogrebnjak. Meanwhile, Wolves have the likes of Edwards, Jacobs and Van La Parra in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial. Wolves get the half underway.
SUB! Reading have made a change at the break with Guthrie replacing Akpan.
Guthrie is lucky to escape a booking following a really poor challenge on Henry in the middle of the park. The referee has a word with the midfielder, but does not look to his pocket. It has been an all-action start to the second period, with Wolves already committing numbers in the final third of the field.
Half-chance for Reading as Norwood breaks to the edge of the Wolves box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Sako is down the other end for the away side moments later, but eventually the danger is cleared by Gunter. End-to-end football with 50 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Reading 1-1 Wolves (Henry)
Wolves level with 51 minutes on the clock as Sako fizzes a brilliant cross towards the back post, where Henry is on hand to convert from close range. We are all square here. Game on!
Wolves have the momentum at the moment as they force two corners in quick succession, but the home side manage to clear the danger. McDonald comes close to sliding a ball into Saville, but Gunter just about does enough to clear. The home supporters look a bit nervous at the moment as Wolves continue to grow.
GOAL! Reading 1-2 Wolves (Evans)
Wolves have turned this match around! Evans scores his first league goal of the season after collecting a poor clearance from Obita and burying his effort into the bottom corner.
GOAL! Reading 2-2 Wolves (Taylor)
It is raining goals! Reading equalise less than 60 seconds after falling behind as Cox sets up Taylor, who finishes into the bottom corner. Wow, what a start to this second period.
Good grief. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides continue to force the issue in the final third. Sako takes up a good position for Wolves outside the box, but his pass towards McDonald is just short. Little over 30 minutes remaining and we are level at 2-2. It has been a wonderful match thus far.
I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both sets of full-backs continue to push forward. The stadium is rocking at the moment which should make for a brilliant conclusion to this Championship contest.
Obita just manages to clear under pressure from Clarke at the full post as Wolves continue to deliver crosses into the Reading box. Just a reminder that Reading have two permitted changes remaining, while Wolves have three. Both managers will be considering alterations at this stage of proceedings.
The match has just settled in the last couple of minutes following that crazy spell at the start of the second period, which is not much of a surprise. Both teams will now want to tighten up in defence.
BOOKING! Guthrie goes into the book for Reading for a late challenge on Evans.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Wolves to regain the lead as Clarke meets a free kick from Henry, but the striker can only angle his header wide of the post. Big opportunity for the forward.
BOOKING! Stearman is booked for Wolves for a push on Murray.
SUB! Reading make their second change as Jamie Mackie replaces Cox.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and still the scores are level at 2-2. Stearman needs to a little bit careful for Wolves as the centre-back becomes involved in another altercation despite just being booked. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this match.
Still no movement on the Wolves bench, but I suspect that Kenny Jackett has a change or two up his sleeve in the latter stages. The match continues to flow from end-to-end, but neither side has created a chance of note in the last few minutes. The atmosphere in the crowd has also started to quieten.
SUB! Third change for Reading as Kuhl replaces Taylor.
Reading want a penalty as a deflected effort from Murray appears to hit the arm of Golbourne, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh on the full-back. The home side are starting to look the more productive side as we enter the final 15 minutes. Is there to be a winner here?
Frustration for the home supporters as another Reading attack is ended when Blackman handles inside the box. Wolves are preparing to make their first change of the match, with Edwards on the sidelines.
SUB! The change is indeed made, with Edwards replacing Saville.
SUB! Second change for Wolves as Van la Parra replaces Henry.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this Championship affair and still the two sides are level at 2-2. Chances have dried up since the early stages of the second period, but Wolves have started to force the issue in the final third. A goal at this stage would surely be enough to claim all the points.
Half-chance for Reading as Obita advances into a loose ball outside the box before curling his effort towards the bottom corner, but his strike was always moving wide of the post.
Wolves have just started to look a little nervy at the back, with Ikeme firing straight out of play following a short pass from Stearman. Reading enjoy a period of possession outside the Wolves box, but the attack breaks down when McDonald clears inside his own box. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
GOAL! Reading 2-3 Wolves (Edwards)
Wolves regain the lead five minutes from time as Edwards flicks a near-post corner into the bottom corner. Reading had cleared, but the linesman flagged for a goal and it was indeed past the line.
What a big moment that is for Wolves. As it stands, they are heading joint-top of the Championship. The away side have possession in the Reading half as they play a short corner, but Pearce is on hand to clear.
SUB! Third and final change for Wolves as Clarke is replaced by McAlinden.
Reading threaten with a dangerous corner into the Wolves box, but Sako manages to clear under pressure from two defenders. It is a case of anywhere will do for the away side at the moment. Mackie tries his luck from outside the box, but Ikeme is on hand to make the save.
GOAL! Reading 3-3 Wolves (Murray)
Oh my word! Reading respond once again as Murray's deflected effort finds the top corner. It struck Batth, but Murray will claim it. What a game!
We are into the first of five additional minutes here. Is there to be a winner?
BOOKING! Edwards is booked for Wolves for bringing Blackman to the ground. Norwood delivers the resulting free kick, which eventually falls to Guthrie, but his effort is just wide.
Wolves have a free kick of their own this time following a high challenge from Gunter...
... Sako goes for goal, but his effort is straight into the wall. Sako attempts to chase down the clearance, but fouls Gunter and the pressure is now off Reading.
Blackman stands over perhaps the last free kick of the match, but the Reading attacker fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. This one is almost over. It has been a stunning contest.
FULL-TIME: Reading 3-3 Wolves
And breathe! What a match at the Madejski! Not too much happened in the first period, but the second period was stunning. Wolves have moved into third position in the table, while Reading moved up to 11th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
