A point apiece in RG2
Agyei's penalty, later cancelled out by Knibbs' neat finish, ensured the points were shared with neither side able to create that final clear cut chance in the second half.
Reading were presented with an early opportunity to deliver an unchallenged ball into the box as Yiadom cleverly shielded the ball, earning a free-kick just outside the Leyton Orient box. It was Savage who stepped up to take it, but the visitors managed to clear the danger before Dorsett could intervene.
The Royals, through Azeez, had the first shot at goal. A lofted ball to the back post found our number 11, and after a fiercely contested battle for possession just outside the box, the ball fell kindly for Azeez to have a sight of goal. However, the effort was blazed over.
Despite the early pressure from the Royals, Leyton Orient took the lead. A cross was deemed to have struck an arm, resulting in a penalty that Agyei calmly dispatched to Button’s right, putting the visitors ahead 20 minutes into the game.
Sellés had his head in his hands in disbelief as his wicked ball across the box somehow evaded Smith, Knibbs, and Mukairu. However, the disbelief was short-lived. From the subsequent corner, Smith's flick on at the near post found Knibbs, who adeptly adjusted his body to finesse the ball past Brynn, bringing the game level.
Agyei continued to trouble the Reading defence, displaying his ability to hold the ball up and offer an option in behind. He once again forced Button into making a low save, with Savage on hand to clear the ball from an advancing Orient player.
Reading struggled to find luck in front of goal after Knibbs' equalizer, but an opportunity arose as Azeez skipped around his opposing full-back. At the crucial moment of deciding whether to shoot or pass, Brynn smothered the ball behind for a corner, which ultimately led to nothing.
Leyton Orient also experienced a lull in creating chances, with El Mizouni epitomizing that frustration through a wild effort from 25 yards out, sailing over the bar.
Half-Time: Reading 1-1 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient came out with intensity in the second half, dominating possession in the Reading half. Button's first save occurred just four minutes into the half, denying El Mizouni's long-range attempt.
Reading found themselves under considerable pressure in the opening 15 minutes, struggling to retain possession. In response, Sellés made two swift changes, introducing Mola and Craig to bolster the team.
Despite the challenges, Reading orchestrated a quick exchange of passes to enter the visitors' box. However, with limited room to manoeuvre, every player seemed crowded. Azeez eventually found space for Yiadom, but his effort went straight at Brynn.
The attacking fluidity displayed on Tuesday night eluded Reading, but with 15 minutes left on the clock, Sellés, while Holmes received treatment, motivated the team for a final push.
A pivotal chance for Leyton Orient emerged late in the game, with a defensive lapse allowing Agyei to break through. Despite a three-on-one situation, Button made an excellent save to push the ball behind.
Reading had a golden opportunity with five minutes to go as Wing couldn't connect cleanly with his shot inside the box. Leyton Orient managed to clear their lines before Azeez could capitalize.
In the dying moments, Reading earned a corner in a bid to secure a late winner. Azeez's delivery found McIntyre at the near post, but the effort posed no threat to the Leyton Orient goal.
The final chance fell to the visitors, who attempted a long throw into the box. After a couple of attempts, Reading finally cleared the ball, and the match concluded with the score level.
Full-Time: Reading 1-1 Leyton Orient
Reading: Button, Holmes (McIntyre 83’), Knibbs, Savage (Craig 55’), Smith, Azeez, Mukairu (Vickers 73’), Yiadom © (Mbengue 73’), Dorsett (Mola 55’), Bindon, Wing.
Subs: Pereira, Ehibhatiomhan
Goals: Knibbs (23’)
Yellow: Bindon (53’), Smith (53’)
Leyton Orient: Brynn, Sweeney (James 45’), Happe, Agyei, Brown (Mongue 86’), Sotirion (Pratley 45’), Archibald (O’Neil 68’), El Mizouni, Forde (Pigott 86’), Beckles ©, Galbraith.
Subs: Cooper, Howes
Goals: Agyei (18' pen)
Yellow: Galbraith (76’)
Attendance = 15,972