Source: Team_Talk
Royals rumble to victory over Tykes
The Republic of Ireland striker took advantage of a fumble from Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele to poke home and give manager Brian McDermott his first league win after FA Cup wins over Liverpool and Burnley.[LNB]Former chief scout McDermott was celebrating his first game since being confirmed as full-time boss this week and saw the Royals put in a decent performance to climb to within three points of safety.[LNB]Simon Church had the first effort on goal, skidding a left-foot shot wide of the post from the edge of the area before strike partner Long came close to an opener.[LNB]Barnsley failed to clear their lines and Long pulled the ball down before crashing in a shot from just inside the penalty area which Steele did well to kick away to safety.[LNB]Jonathan Macken then had Barnsley's first chance when he dragged a shot wide from 15 yards before Long struck in the 29th minute.[LNB]On-loan Stoke full-back Andy Griffin put over a cross from the right which Steele came to claim but he made a mess of it and could only spill the ball back into danger.[LNB]Gylfi Sigurdsson was quick to react and squared the ball back into the middle where Long was on hand to tap into an open goal.[LNB]Adam Hammill came close to an instant equaliser with a fine shot on the turn but the Royals held on to take their lead into the break.[LNB]Macken was replaced by Daniel Bogdanovic at half-time as Barnsley boss Mark Robins looked for improvement in his side, but it was Long who came close to a second goal - extending Steele with a powerful effort from 25 yards. The goalkeeper's handling was more secure on this occasion however and he made a smart stop to keep the Tykes in the game.[LNB]Reading were pushing for a second and came within inches of doing so moments later.[LNB]Ryan Bertrand scurried clear down the left flank and drilled in a cross to the far post where Jobi McAnuff arrived to slam a shot into the post.[LNB]The ball ricocheted, struck Steele on the back and somehow ran free of danger.[LNB]It was a huge let-off for Barnsley but they were unable to profit from the escape as Reading held on to claim the win.[LNB][LNB]
