Stoke promotion charge held back in lacklustre goalless draw with Reading

Stoke City’s 0-0 draw with promotion hopefuls Reading at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon leaves Michael O’Neill’s side now ten games without a win in all competitions.

The weather conditions on the occasion perfectly represented the events – dull, grey and washed out. Both sides combined could only manage a disappointing three shots on target and matching each other on 50% possession.

Reading extended their unbeaten run to seven games and are now seven points clear of seventh place. It was the third successive 0-0 for the Royals away in Staffordshire.

Embed from Getty Images

The best chance of the game fell to Irishman James McClean after some magical footwork from captain John Obi Mikel. The Nigerian danced his way into the area and pulled the ball back for the winger, who failed to trouble Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral with his close-range effort.

McClean went down in the box just after the half-way mark in the first-half and despite the Potters’ bench erupting, referee Tim Robinson waved away the appeals.

City centre-half Harry Souttar was awarded a brand-new long-term contract this week and certainly repaid the faith put into him with an assured performance at the back. The Scotsman played the ball out of the defence with confidence and never looked out of place.

The hosts had the ball in the back of the net before half-time when Jack Clarke’s cross was met by James McClean who headed it into the path of striker Steven Fletcher for a tap-in. However, the linesman’s flag was raised almost straight away and the celebrations were brought to a halt.

Royals winger Ovie Ejaria looked lively at all times throughout the matchup but failed to provide the killer edge that was necessary to see his side take home three points.

The visitors began to turn the heat up towards the end of the game and Ejaria was involved once again. The winger found space on the edge of the box for a low shot, but his effort was saved in comfort by Angus Gunn.

Stoke had a chance to win it at the end when James McClean’s whipped ball met the head of substitute Jordan Cousins, but the forward couldn’t get enough power behind his attempt to disturb Rafael between the sticks.

If the goalless draw wasn’t enough for Potters fans, more bad news was delivered by gaffer Michael O’Neill in his post-match press conference. The Northern Irishman confirmed MLS interest in Ryan Shawcross, likely from Inter Miami. The defender has made 453 appearances for Stoke and spent more than a decade as captain.

“There is interest from an MLS club, discussions are open and forthright on that but nothing is concluded at this minute in time. Ryan has expressed the interest if the opportunity is given and we as a club have to recognise what Ryan has given us in terms of service.”

Reading boss Veljko Paunovic felt his side got a fair result, saying after the game:

“The fair result is the one we got. That is the bottom line. We could have benefitted more from the opportunities we created and from certain times when we rushed the final pass or got over-excited when we were in the final third.”

Looking to pick up some points after a run of disappointing form, O’Neill’s side travel to league leaders Norwich next weekend, whilst Reading host automatic promotion rivals Brentford in midweek.