Reading’s UEFA dream ends in six goal draw

BLACKBURN secured a place in the Intertoto Cup next season while Reading, who finished above them in the table, saw their dreams of Europe dashed.

Reading decided not to put their name forward for the competition in their first campaign in the top flight. But such has been their good form, they were in with a chance of a UEFA Cup spot going into this game.

However, Reading failed to get the victory they craved, despite playing good football and displaying a never -say-die attitude. Reading boss Steve Coppell revealed afterwards that midfielder Steve Sidwell had left the club.

Blackburn took the lead in the 21st minute with Benni McCarthy’s 18th league goal of the season. He took full advantage after goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann collided with Shabani Nonda and spilled a cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen. The American was in some distress and came off, to be replaced by Adam Federici.

Reading drew level in the 36th minute from a set piece. Harper delivered a long corner kick from the right and Seol Ki-Hyeon powered in a header at the back post.

David Bentley put Blackburn ahead in the 58th minute and he will hardly score an easier goal. But Reading roared back again, Kevin Doyle pulling them level in the 59th minute by heading his 13th goal of the season.

Blackburn went in front for the third time when Matt Derbyshire powered in a header in the 67th minute – 60 seconds after coming on – following a cross from Brett Emerton. But Reading refused to give up and in the 81st minute they were again level through Brynjar Gunnarsson.

Opta Fact: Ivar Ingimarsson played every minute of every game for Reading this season

BLACKBURN: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Kerimoglu (Dunn 69), Mokoena, Pedersen, Nonda (Derbyshire 66), McCarthy.

READING: Hahnemann (Federici 23), De la Cruz, Duberry, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Ki-Hyeon, Harper, Gunnarsson, Hunt (Oster 70), Long (Lita 66), Doyle.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).