Reading beat Stoke to take big step closer to safety

Reading eased their Championship relegation fears as they moved eight points clear of the drop zone with a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Stoke.

Skipper Michael Morrison put Reading ahead in the 13th minute as the home side dominated much of the first half, but Stoke substitute Romaine Sawyers equalised shortly before the interval.

Reading restored their lead midway through the second period when Lucas Joao's header was deflected in by Stoke defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The hosts had gone into the game unbeaten in three matches under interim manager Paul Ince.

Midfielder Josh Laurent scored an 82nd-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw at relegation rivals Barnsley on Saturday, adding to his late winner in the previous 1-0 home win over Blackburn.

Mid-table Stoke had ended a winless run of eight league games with successive home wins over Millwall and Sheffield United.

However, they had not won on the road in seven outings since mid-January.

Reading's Stoke loanee Tom Ince was ineligible to play against his parent club, with Junior Hoilett filling the gap.

And it was Canada international Hoilett who caused numerous problems for the Stoke defence on the right flank early on. From one of his many crosses, Reading went in front.

Morrison's header was smartly saved by goalkeeper Jack Bonham at close range, but, fortuitously for the hosts, the ball rebounded back off Morrison and over the line.

Little was seen of Stoke as an attacking threat, with Reading goalkeeper Orjan Nyland not called upon in the early stages.

Stoke's cause was not helped either when midfielder Jordan Thompson was injured after a poor tackle from Ovie Ejaria and had to be taken off on a stretcher.

One minute before the break, Stoke levelled through