Harvey Knibbs earned Reading a point in a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City, one of the most dominant draws the Royals have been involved in.

Falling behind to Nelson Abbey’s third minute own-goal, the hosts failed to register a single shot on target compared to Reading’s six- including having two goals ruled out by the referee.

Eventually, Knibbs curled home the deserved goal 10 minutes into the second half, but they were unable to add any more. Manager Ruben Selles also saw red in what was an eventful afternoon at Sincil Bank.

Despite all the fanfare and positive energy from the 900+ travelling supporters, it was more of the same for the first three minutes as the Lincoln winger waltzed into the box and cut a ball back into the box. Flicking off Abbey, the ball looped over David Button and into the net to get the game off to an awful start. Things could only get better, and they did as Reading dominated the next 40 minutes of action. But, failed to make it tell on the scoreboard.

Paul Mukariu and Sam Smith both had efforts from inside the box, but only the winger could test Lukas Jensen. The ball was in the net in the 11th minute as Femi Azeez’s cross was bundled home. As the celebrations were in full flow, referee Bobby Madley consulted with the linesman and ruled the goal out for an apart foul in the penalty box. Not fazed, the Royals continued to look for the equaliser, and Lewis Wing nearly found it when his 30-yard strike was parried wide by the keeper.

For a second time in 15 minutes, the ball was in the net again before the half-hour mark, this time the linesman’s flag was raised to indicate offside. Harvey Knibbs came close before the break too, flicking a header on target from Smith’s cross but failing to test the keeper, who had already been booked for time-wasting just after the 30-minute mark. With almost 70 per cent of the ball and three shots on target, to Lincoln’s zero, it was the Imps who led at the break.

Continuing in similar vein after the break, Reading were relentless, and it only looked a matter of time before they found the net. 10 minutes into the half, Jeriel Dorsett sent Knibbs free beyond the defence and the top scorer had the calmness to look up and slot the ball past the onrushing Jense to finally draw the sides level. The hosts had their moments, with Abbey being required to step in at the last minute to prevent a swift counter-attack.

Still looking for a winner, boss Selles was sent to the stands with 20 minutes remaining after knocking the ball away when Lincoln had a throw-in. Teddy Bishop came close for the Imps, nearly getting on the end of a dangerous free kick after Andy Yiadom fouled on the edge of the box. Knibbs nearly nicked it at the death, dancing into the box before seeing his shot saved. From the resulting corner, Dorsett very nearly flicked into the back of the net but a foul was awarded in the box.

Huffing and puffing, the second just would not come in what was one of the most dominant draws seen. Remaining in the relegation zone, Wigan Athletic visit Berkshire next Saturday in the latest match of a busy festive period.