Roared on by a huge contingent of travelling fans, Argyle initially threatened to overwhelm Reading with route one tactics which entailed their team getting as many players (and the ball) forward as rapidly as possible. Reading to their credit were not fazed by the onslaught which saw Pepple receive in a yellow card the first minute. In fact, they delivered the perfect response by taking an early lead. Rendell Williams latched on to a ball on the break, and using his pace and strength, worked himself a position on the right to deliver a cross which caught out Argyle 'keeper Ashby-Hammond drifting over his head inside the far post. The goal certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the travelling fans who remained in good voice and a mere three minutes later reached a crescendo when centre back Mitchell timed his run across the box to meet Curtis's corner to tuck away the equaliser. Reading's defence collectively was slow to react and paid a heavy price being second to the ball. Reading certainly hadn't weathered the early storm but gradually played their way calmly into the game.

Reading finally subdued the Argle supporters in the eighteenth minute. From a corner O'Connor nudged the ball over the line to regain the lead. The game settled down and Reading were able to create openings down the flanks. Reading had the better chances, but their finishing was poor. Basic technique in striking the ball was the issue, lacking power and accuracy in and around the box. It underlined the gap left by the injured Marriott. Half time came and I had the feeling Reading were going to need another goal to secure three points and so it proved to be the case.

As so often has happened recently Reading went into their shell having taken the lead. Adopting a passive approach invited Argyle to push forward. Poor passing and a reluctance to get forward finally produced the inevitable Argyle equaliser again. Sitting deep in their own half, and with plenty of bodies in the box, a failure to attack the ball and clear it provided Watts with a chance to finish from close range.

With just under half an hour remaining, and having surrendered the lead again, changes were made as the prospect of defeat provided the motivation for Reading to get out of their own half. However, on this occasion, Ritchie, Lane and Yiadom could not spark a late win and no further damage was inflicted. Near the end a chance for Reading to win the game arrived with a break. Rendell Williams pace was always promising to open up the Argyle defence, and eventually provided a chance to win the game, but having delivered a good ball into the box, first Doyle and then Lane could not find the finish.

Argyle had their chances to win the game too as both sides went in search of the winner but in the end a draw was probably a fair result. Reading could and possibly should have won it. As it turned out the play-offs slipped a little bit further beyond the reach of both teams.

John Wells