Tranmere 2-2 Reading

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Reading fought back from a two-goal deficit to collect a vital point from Prenton Park.

The draw was enough to take them back into the automatic promotion places just above Brentford.

Tranmere, who have missed out on a play-off place, lifted their game for the occasion but were fortunate not to go behind in the 21st minute when substitute goalkeeper Joe Murphy made a superb save to deny Nicky Forster.

Rovers took the lead after 40 minutes with a close-range header by Stuart Barlow from a Gareth Roberts cross.

The Merseysiders made it 2-0 three minutes after half-time when Simon Haworth netted with a superbly-flighted shot over the head of keeper Phil Whitehead.

Reading responded with a headed goal two minutes later by Tony Rougier after Murphy could only parry an effort from Adrian Viveash.

And John Salako headed Reading level in the 72nd minute following a free-kick by Kevin Watson.

The Royals could have snatched all three points, but Salako was just wide with a snap-shot two minutes from time.

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Tranmere: Achterberg, Hinds, Hill, Sharps, Roberts, Parkinson, Henry, Navarro, Price, Haworth, Barlow. Subs: Yates, Murphy, Mellon, Rideout, Hume.

Reading: Whitehead, Murty, Viveash, Mackie, Shorey, Watson, Hughes, Parkinson, Salako, Rougier, Forster. Subs: Williams, Cureton, Igoe, Savage, Talia.

Referee: C Wilkes (Gloucester)