Owusu bags a point
By James Pearson. Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am
High flying Reading needed a goal just before half time from Lloyd Owusu to claim a 1-1 draw against goal-shy Leeds United.
The Whites ended their goalless streak against Preston at the weekend and netted after just 53 seconds at the Madejski Stadium.
17-year-old midfielder Simon Walton, who is filling in for the injured Jermaine Wright, was unmarked in the box to head home from Frazer Richardson's right wing cross.
Reading dominated the remainder of the first half and only stout defending from the visitors kept Steve Coppell's side at bay.
Shaun Goater and Steve Sidwell both had chances to get The Royals back into the contest, but Leeds' defence held firm.
On the stroke of half-time Nicky Shorey's free-kick was not cleared by Leeds and Owusu was on hand to stab home from close range.
The ineffective Michael Ricketts was replaced by Brian Deane shortly after the hour mark and the veteran striker almost scored with clever snap-shot.
Despite controlling the contest for long periods Reading failed to make their pressure tell and had to settle for the point, although with Ipswich drawing The Royals stay in the automatic promotion places.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
Lloyd Owusu
Simon Walton
