Reading 1-2 Millwall: Royals stunned by late Lions double
- Published
Matt Smith's fifth goal of the season began the Millwall fightback
Reading fell further behind their Championship promotion rivals as Millwall's late fightback condemned them to back-to-back home defeats.
The Royals went ahead in bizarre fashion when Alfa Semedo challenged for Lions keeper Bartosz Bialkowski's throw and the ball cannoned into an unguarded net from 50 yards.
Millwall had struggled to create clear chances before Tom Bradshaw's scuffed effort fell to Matt Smith, who slotted past Rafael Cabral.
Ovie Ejaria's deflected shot hit the bar for Reading, but Mason Bennett looped Scott Malone's cross over Cabral to stun the hosts.
Reading were looking to prevent the gap further widening to the automatic promotion spots, but a run of one win in five matches has left them fifth and nine points adrift of second-placed Brentford.
A subdued start from the hosts allowed Millwall to make the early running as George Evans headed Malone's cross against the bar before Semedo's bizarre opener.
The lead was almost doubled when Michael Olise's defence-splitting pass put Lucas João through, but Bialkowski's superb low save denied him a 20th goal of the season.
Reading struggled to pick up momentum and build on their lead as the visitors showed plenty of intent without threatening Cabral's goal.
The Lions channelled most of their attacks through Malone on the flanks, and the tactic paid off as his delivery into the box ultimately led to the equaliser before putting a cross on Bennett's head for the winner.
Resurgent Millwall, who have earned 23 of their 38 points on the road this season, extended their unbeaten league run to six matches and climbed to 13th, eight points outside the play-off places.