Reading end Lincoln City five-game winning streak with entertaining draw

Reading came from behind to halt Lincoln City's five-match winning run in an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Referee Alex Chilowicz was the talk of Berkshire in the first-half when Reading felt they were on the wrong end of decisions, but the goals did the talking in the second half as Freddie Draper put the in-form Imps in front with 20 minutes remaining, but defender Tyler Bindon deservedly levelled the scores with five minutes left on the clock.

On the back of a 15-game unbeaten run, and having won their last five straight matches, it was no surprise to see Lincoln start full of confidence and the brighter of the two teams. Within two minutes, Reeco Hackett had curled an effort wide of Joel Pereira’s goal and full-back Lasse Sorensen missed a huge chance to put his side ahead after Jeriel Dorsett had lost possession on the edge of the box.

It took nine minutes for Reading to make a chance of their own, Lewis Wing’s clever pass finding Sam Smith over the back of the Imps’ defence. The forward cut a ball back into the box but Ben Elliott could only put his attempt wide of the goal. Paul Mukairu, who scored in Reading’s 5-2 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Monday, had a chance of his own on the 20-minute mark when he was sent through into the box, eventually running out of grass before being able to turn the ball back for a teammate.

The game changed on the half-hour mark as referee Alex Chilowicz became the centre of attention and for the wrong reasons. Harvey Knibbs drove into the Lincoln box and cut the ball into the danger zone. Both Elliott and Femi Azeez had chances saved from point-blank range, the latter coming courtesy of Jack Moylan’s hand. The official opted against giving the red card and only served to create a more ferocious atmosphere for the remaining hour.

The Royals rallied after the injustice but still failed to test Lukas Jensen in the net, Knibbs diverting Azeez’s cut back over the bar from inside the box as the final attempt of the half.

The second half was a more low-key affair, with neither side carving out a great deal of goal scoring opportunities. Hackett had the first chance as his long-range drive was easily saved at the feet of Pereira.

Azeez had a big chance go wide of the target after bursting down the right, a let off for Lukas Jensen between the posts. In control of proceedings, Reading were stung with 20 minutes to go as a cross found substitute Draper and his header was too powerful for Pereira to keep out. Reading kept their foot on the gas, pressing for an equaliser, and deservedly drew level when a deep corner was flicked in by Bindon with five minutes remaining.

Down to the final four matches, the Royals head to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday looking to continue their push away from danger.