Reading fight back to edge fellow League One play-off hopefuls Bradford

Late goals from substitutes Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie handed Reading a dramatic 2-1 League One comeback victory over fellow play-off hopefuls Bradford.

After a goalless first half, City went ahead through Matt Pennington in the 68th minute.

But Lane struck in the 90th minute and Ritchie in the seventh minute of stoppage-time to extend Reading’s unbeaten run to five matches.

In a scrappy opening period, Reading’s Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan – a replacement for injured 17-goal top scorer Jack Marriott – saw a shot blocked and also curled the ball wide when finding space on the edge of the area.

Bradford had only wayward long-range drives from Max Power and Jenson Metcalfe to show for their efforts.

The Royals could have gone in front soon after the interval but Kamari Doyle and then defender Derrick Williams missed the target when well placed.

Bradford, who were growing increasingly confident, were quick to take advantage of the lucky let-offs.

Pennington set himself up and thundered home a shot from 20 yards through the flailing arms of home goalkeeper Joel Pereira for his second goal in successive games.

But Lane, on the pitch only four minutes, drove in from a tight angle for the leveller and veteran Ritchie then nodded in powerfully from close range to secure the win.