Reading 0-0 West Bromwich Albion: Baggies clinch play-off berth
- Published
West Brom are targeting an instant return to the Premier League after relegation in 2017-18
West Bromwich Albion secured their place in the Championship play-offs with a bore draw at Reading, who are now all-but certain of survival.
In a low-key first half, the only real incidents of note were two enforced substitutions for the hosts - with first Nelson Oliveira and then Yakou Meite suffering injuries.
There was more enterprise from both sides in the second half, with Reading substitute Danny Loader forcing Sam Johnstone into a save.
Jay Rodriguez, Dwight Gayle and Matt Phillips all went close for the visitors with time running out, but it ended goalless.
With two games to play, West Brom now look destined for a play-off semi-final against resurgent Aston Villa, who earlier broke a club record by sealing a 10th consecutive league win.
But the issue of which side finishes higher in the league - and secures home advantage in the second leg of the potential tie - remains.
Victory for Reading would have guaranteed their Championship status, but a point, coupled with Rotherham's home defeat by Birmingham City, means Jose Gomes' team are almost certain to keep their place in the second tier.
The Royals are six points clear of the final place in the drop zone but with a far superior goal difference to that of the Millers.
Reading manager Jose Gomes:
"We haven't finished yet. My experience in football says that if it is not yet mathematically safe, then we cannot relax.
"We must keep the same energy and the same mentality until the end of the season.
"It was a fantastic game today. If I was watching this game from the stands, I wouldn't know which team was fighting at the bottom of the table and the team that was fighting for promotion.
"I think I would say it was Reading who was fighting for promotion. My players showed such strong personality and strong character."
West Brom caretaker boss James Shan:
"We always have an eye on the play-offs but (we also) look at each game in isolation and keep ticking them off.
"There are obviously still games to play, all we can do is keep focusing on our games.
"We'll see where that leaves us at the end of the season."