Match ends, Leeds United 2, Reading 4.
LeedsLeeds United2ReadingReading4
Brian McDermott's Leeds were beaten at home against his old club Reading.
Garath McCleary put the visitors ahead after a misplaced pass from defender Marius Zaliukas, before Royston Drenthe's free-kick doubled the lead.
Nick Blackman scored a diving header from Danny Guthrie's cross, before Hal Robson-Kanu's half-volley made it 4-0.
The hosts scored twice in a minute as Matt Smith converted a header from Rodolph Austin, who then fired home from 25 yards, but it was not enough.
It was another damaging home defeat for Leeds, who lost 5-1 to Bolton at Elland Road on Saturday, prompting McDermott - 12 months after he was removed by Reading - to limit his programme notes to just three paragraphs this evening.
Kick-off was delayed by half-an-hour after players, match officials and spectators were delayed by traffic congestion on the M62.
And Leeds fans must soon have been wishing the game had not started at all as their side headed for another damaging loss.
The response at least offered some encouragement for under-pressure McDermott, although it is Reading who continue to harbour promotion ambitions.
The Royals consolidated their place in the top six, even if they have played more games than most of their rivals.
Reading boss Nigel Adkins:
"They were three very valuable points.
"We were excellent in the first half and deservedly went in one up. We expected Leeds to come at us in the second half but we went on the front foot to score three quick goals.
"Then a goal went in to lift them and it was immediately followed by a wonder goal from Rudi Austin. The place was bouncing but we showed great character to defend because they really went for it."
Line-ups
Leeds
- 30Butland
- 25Byram
- 16Pugh
- 5Pearce
- 24ZaliukasSubstituted forSmithat 60'minutes
- 4Lees
- 8Austin
- 6Murphy
- 44McCormack
- 9Wickham
- 36MowattBooked at 27mins
Substitutes
- 10Hunt
- 17Brown
- 20Smith
- 22Wootton
- 26Poleon
- 28Stewart
- 33Cairns
Reading
- 21McCarthy
- 2Gunter
- 37Obita
- 16Akpan
- 5Pearce
- 17Gorkss
- 12McClearySubstituted forBlackmanat 40'minutes
- 20Guthrie
- 19Robson-KanuSubstituted forCummingsat 86'minutes
- 10DrentheSubstituted forHectorat 78'minutes
- 11McAnuff
Substitutes
- 1Federici
- 9Le Fondre
- 22Blackman
- 24Cummings
- 25Taylor
- 35Hector
- 38Tshibola
- Referee:
- Oliver Langford
- Attendance:
- 19,915
Match Stats
Home TeamLeedsAway TeamReading
- Possession
- Home59%
- Away41%
- Shots
- Home15
- Away13
- Shots on Target
- Home8
- Away6
- Corners
- Home4
- Away7
- Fouls
- Home12
- Away13
Live Text
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Full Time
Second Half ends, Leeds United 2, Reading 4.
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Offside, Leeds United. Luke Murphy tries a through ball, but Matt Smith is caught offside.
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Attempt blocked. Danny Pugh (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sam Byram.
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Attempt saved. Rodolph Austin (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Danny Pugh.
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Attempt missed. Ross McCormack (Leeds United) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Alex Mowatt with a cross.
Substitution
Substitution, Reading. Shaun Cummings replaces Hal Robson-Kanu.
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Attempt missed. Nick Blackman (Reading) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Chris Gunter following a fast break.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Jordan Obita.
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Rodolph Austin (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Foul by Jordan Obita (Reading).
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Corner, Reading. Conceded by Jason Pearce.
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Attempt saved. Rodolph Austin (Leeds United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Alex Mowatt with a through ball.
Substitution
Substitution, Reading. Michael Hector replaces Royston Drenthe.
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Royston Drenthe (Reading) hits the left post with a left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left. Assisted by Jobi McAnuff.
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Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Jobi McAnuff.
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Attempt missed. Matt Smith (Leeds United) header from very close range misses to the right. Assisted by Luke Murphy with a cross.
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Foul by Rodolph Austin (Leeds United).
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Chris Gunter (Reading) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Luke Murphy (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
