Stoke City 0-0 Reading: Potters winless in 10 after stalemate
- Published
Stoke were able to keep the Championship's third-highest goalscorer Lucas Joao quiet as the game ended goalless
Stoke City's winless run stretched to 10 matches after a dour stalemate with promotion hopefuls Reading at Bet365 Stadium.
Steven Fletcher found the net with an acrobatic finish in the game's first goalmouth action after 30 minutes but it was ruled out for offside.
Reading, who went into the game fifth in the table, struggled to create any clear-cut chances but did go close through Ovie Ejaria in the second half.
Jordan Cousins then had a late chance to win the game for Stoke, but Royals goalkeeper Rafael Cabral saved to preserve a point for the visitors.
The Potters last tasted a league victory against Blackburn on 19 December but have just about remained in the play-off chase along with in-form Reading, who arrived unbeaten in six.
Reading's Andy Rinomhota had the first sight of goal after Angus Gunn punched away a free-kick but the midfielder saw his effort deflected over the bar in a tight opening.
The first real flashpoint came after 24 minutes when Republic of Ireland international James McClean claimed a penalty after going down in the box, only to be shown a yellow card for diving.
With chances at a premium, Fletcher thought he had broken the deadlock in spectacular style when his overhead kick flashed past Reading goalkeeper Rafael but the goal was chalked off as the Scot celebrated.
Stoke went close shortly before half-time when Sam Clucas' corner was flicked towards Danny Batth, but Josh Laurent diverted the defender's effort behind to safety to ensure it remained goalless at the break.
As the game went on it was the Royals who were pressing for a goal and they went close with 14 minutes remaining but Ejaria slightly overhit his pass as he tried to find their leading marksman Lucas Joao.
Ejaria himself had a late effort on goal which was held by Gunn and, at the other end, Rafael was called into action deep into injury time to deny Cousins a late winner.
The draw leaves the Potters six points off the play-off places in ninth, with Reading now fourth.
Stoke boss Michael O'Neill told BBC Radio Stoke:
"We were pleased with the performance but disappointed we didn't take more from the game as I thought we were dominant, particularly in the first half.
"They had more of the game in the second half and I thought the last fifteen minutes they came into it and we were tired but overall we just aren't finding that little bit in front of goal at the minute. We just need a goal to go in for us but in terms of performance and effort I can't ask for more.
"Once we get that goal we can go on and get belief from that. There were a lot of good performances and the players deserve a bit more than what they're getting."
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic:
"We know what is in front of us and we know it won't be easy, but we will give it our all. We need to keep our momentum going and give our best.
"We remain disciplined and focused on what we control. We are aware of other results and what is going on in the league.
"We look to keep our minds on ourselves and our environment. We look at where we can get better and look to upgrade our game, that is the main focus for us. We are looking to go through this stretch of games remaining in the top six and we want to improve our position."