Reading’s Ehibhatiomhan scored just before half-time, but a late penalty by Birminghams’ Alfie May meant the match ended 1-1 in a tense game at Birmingham.
Birmingham City came out strong, with Willumsson almost opening the scoring early on. His shot was blocked, and although May had a chance, his header missed, letting Reading off the hook.
Reading thought they’d scored when Knibbs headed into the net after a messy play in the box. However, the referee ruled it out for a foul on the keeper. Dorsett then showed some solid defending, stopping Birmingham’s May from getting a shot in after a dangerous cross.
Both teams traded chances. Reading’s Mbengue had a shot blocked, while Willumsson tried for Birmingham but couldn’t find the target. Elliott showed some great skills for Reading, dancing past Birmingham defenders, but neither side could capitalize.
Finally, just before the break, Ehibhatiomhan broke free and slotted a calm finish past Birmingham’s keeper to give Reading the lead. The first half ended 1-0 to the Royals.
Reading continued to press after the break, with Ehibhatiomhan almost adding another, but he was ruled offside. Birmingham fought back and had their chances too. A dangerous cross just missed Harris, and Pereira, Reading’s keeper, had to be alert to stop a volley from Hanson.
As Birmingham piled on the pressure, Reading brought on 16-year-old debutant Garcia, who showed flashes of skill but couldn’t find the breakthrough. With time running out, Birmingham was awarded a penalty for a handball in the box, and May stepped up to calmly equalize.
In the final minutes, Reading held on, defending bravely to secure a well-earned point on the road.
Final score: Birmingham City 1-1 Reading FC
Team Lineups
Birmingham City: Peacock-Farrell, Laird (Khela 82’), Sanderson, Bielek ©, May, Myoshi (Anderson 60’), Leonard (Jutkiewicz 82’), Seuag-Ho, Dembele (Hansson 45’), Willumsson (Harris 50’), Cochrane
Unused subs: Allsop, Klarer
Goals: May (86’)
Reading: Pereira, Dorsett (Abrefa 59’), Elliott (Savage 73’), Craig, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan (Wareham 83’), Smith, Bindon, Mbengue, Camara (Garcia 73’), Wing ©
Unused subs: Boyce-Clarke, Kanu, Osho
Goals: Ehibhatiomhan (42’)
Yellows: Wing (22’)
