An injury-time header from Nick Powell salvaged a point for Stoke City as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Reading on Saturday.

The Royals had led for most of the afternoon after Lucas Joao’s seventh-minute strike put them in front at the Madjeski Stadium. 

Story of the match

Joao marks his return

After featuring in Reading’s 3-1 friendly win over Portsmouth last week, Joao returned to the starting eleven for the first time since tearing his hamstring against Fulham on New Year’s Day.

The Portuguese forward made the perfect start on seven minutes by connecting with Yakou Meite’s pull-back and stroking across goal past goalkeeper Jack Butland into the far corner.

However, the 26-year-old’s afternoon was cut short after he picked up a knock just 37 minutes into the first half.

Stoke’s defensive woes

It was a day to forget for the Potters’ backline.

Struggling to settle in the opening minutes, makeshift left-back Bruno Martins Indi was at fault for the game’s opening goal, failing to control a pass which fell to the feet of the onrushing Meite who then assisted Joao to convert inside the area.

The Dutchman was caught at sea once again midway through the second half, with a clumsy challenge just outside the area on 55 minutes. 

Midfielder John Swift stepped up to take the subsequent free-kick but saw his curling effort clatter against the crossbar.

Powell strikes late

The Potters improved late into the second half following the introduction of both James McClean and Sam Vokes and were almost equalised on 70 minutes when Tyrese Campbell fired his shot against the near post.

Michael O’Neill’s side continued to push deep into the half and were eventually rewarded in the second minute of added time.

Vokes rose highest in the area to connect with Lasse Sorensen’s corner and nodded the ball down into the path of Powell who was on hand to head it over the line for his sixth league goal of the season.

Man of the Match - Yakou Meite

The Royals winger was crucial to much of his side’s attacking play and contributed the assist for Joao’s opener.

Match stats

Reading 1-1 Stoke City (Joao, 7’), (Powell, 90+1’)

Rafael, Gunter, Morrison, Moore, Richards, Swift, Ejaria (Adam, 83’), Obita, Olise (Rinomhota, 73’), Meite (McCleary, 83’), Joao (Puscas, 37’)

Unused subs:

Walker, Baldock, Blackett, Timbe, Osho

Butland, Collins (Smith, 73’), Shawcross (Batth, 45’), Chester, Martins Indi (Gregory, 83’), Sorensen, Thompson (McClean 45’), Powell, Clucas, Ince (Vokes, 67’), Campbell

Unused subs:

Davies, Ward, Oakley-Boothe, Tymon