Reserves draw

The Royals were held to a 1-1 draw with Arsenal tonight after late drama at the Recreation ground in Aldershot.

The Royals playing with an experienced side had much the better of the first half proceedings but found themselves down after a De La Cruz and Federici mix up, allowed Luke Wilshere to put the Gunners in front before half time.

The Royals responded immediatley after the brake when Leroy Lita continued his run of goals for the reserves and smashed the ball home at the near post after some good work from Shane Long.

The experianced Royals were denied the lead after Arsenal substitute Tom Cruise made an excellent block from Jem Karacan on the goaline.

In the 89th minute Jimmy Kebe was brought down by the Arsenal keeper Mannone, who appered to have won the ball, however the spot kick was awarded. Mannone then made amends with a spectacular save from Long's penalty.

There was still time for Lita to put Reading in the lead but was again thwarted by another great save from Mannone in the Arsenal goal.

The Royals were much the better team tonight and will rue the missed chances in front of goal. It was good to see Lita on the score sheet again as he continues to push for a start on Sunday against Aston Villa.

Reading: Federici, Rosenior, Golbourne, Bennett, DeLa Cruz (c), Convey, Karacan, Kebe, Bozanic, Lita, Long.

Arsenal: Mannone, Rogers, Traore, Bartley, Nordviet (c), Eastman, (Freeman 81), Thomas, Ogogo, Wilshere, (Cruise 71), Barazite, Fonte, (Murphy 71)