Rueful Royals pay the penalty

IRISH duo Ian Harte and Noel Hunt missed penalties as Reading crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnsley in the Championship on Saturday.

The Royals were trailing 1-0 to a first-half Stephen Foster goal when they were awarded a spot-kick after 54 minutes.

However the normally reliable Harte saw his effort saved by Barnsley number one Luke Steele. Within minutes Reading were awarded a second penalty but Long saw his effort saved.

Reading were made to pay when Matt Done doubled Barnsley’s advantage and although Hal Robson-Kanu brought the Royals back into the game by converting the home side’s third penalty of the day, the Tykes hung on for the win.

Keith Andrews was another Irishman to endure a bad day as Ipswich were hammered 7-1 by Peterborough.

Andrews gave the Tractor Boys the lead after 23 minutes with a stunning volley before Ipswich hit the self-destruct button.

Republic of Ireland veteran Kevin Kilbane grabbed a rare goal as Derby eased to a 3-0 win over Doncaster at Pride Park. Kilbane Second-half goals from Steve Davies and Ben Davies ensured Derby maintained their perfect start to the season.

Chris Hughton’s Birmingham surrendered a first-half lead to lose 3-1 at Middlesbrough. A penalty from Dubliner Adam Rooney put the Blues ahead but Boro hit back through Barry Robson, Faris Haroun and Malaury Martin.

Leeds United came from behind to grab a 2-2 draw at West Ham. Goals from Ross McCormack and a last-gasp effort from Adam Clayton cancelled out efforts from Carlton Cole and an own goal from Patrick Kisnorbo.

Elsewhere, Brighton and Blackpool drew 2-2, Bristol City and Portsmouth finished goalless, as did Coventry and Watford, Burnley and Cardiff drew 1-1, Crsytal Palace won 1-0 at Hull, Nottingham Forest and Leicester drew 2-2, while Southampton beat Millwall 1-0 to stay top.