Reading hit back to earn a point at Oxford

Reading continued their improved form by forcing a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser in the League 1 lunchtime derby at Oxford.

Striker Mark Harris put the U’s ahead in the 32nd minute with his 12th goal of the season, converting Cameron Brannagan’s cutback from close range after Tyler Burey’s right-wing cross opened the visitors’ defence.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s power brought the Royals level 14 minutes from time.

United could not deal with the substitute’s surging run along the left and centre-half Ciaron Brown turned Ehibhatiomhan’s cross into his own net.

This was Reading’s first ever league visit to the Kassam Stadium and the sell-out crowd created a cracking atmosphere.

Royals had the game’s first effort, Lewis Wing shooting wide on 20 minutes after a one-two with Harvey Knibbs.

At the other end, David Button saved Marcus McGuane’s deflected effort and a fierce drive from Ruben Rodrigues late on.

The point stretches Reading’s recent run to just one defeat in 10 games, but two home draws in a week is a blow to Oxford’s play-off prospects.