A sub-par Reading earned a point at fellow relegation candidates Cheltenham Town in an eventful 2-2 draw at Whaddon Road.

The hosts battered Ruben Selles’ side, particularly in the second half, and took a two-goal lead. However, quickfire strikes from Jeriel Dorsett and Paul Mukariu salvaged a draw in a performance not up to the standards set in recent weeks.

It was very evident from the kick-off that the hosts were well up for the game, and it certainly showed in the first half. Pressing and harassing from the off, the Royals looked undercooked and were well off the pace. Crossing into the box at will, David Button remained the busiest man in Gloucestershire as he was forced into a string of fine saves to keep the score down. Curtis Thompson had the first effort of the game, his sailing over the bar, but Sercombe had the easiest as he was left unmarked at the back post, forcing Button into the first of his big saves. George Lloyd was the latest to test the experienced keeper before Nelson Abbey headed Sercombe’s rebounded effort off the line as the Robins attacked at will.

Liam Freestone’s point-blank header was saved and forced a corner, but Button was unable to repel Sercombe from the following set piece as he swept home a low cross. Seven minutes later they doubled their lead, this time in comical fashion as Amadou Mbengue’s clearance bounced off the back of Button’s back and nestled into the net. It took until 44 minutes for the Royals to have their first effort, Sam Smith flicking a header over the bar. Deciding to play through the midfield for the first time in the closing stages, Reading earned a corner and Dorsett thundered home from Lewis Wing’s set piece to give the visitors something to cling to heading into the break. The drama was not over there though, as Wing’s powerful drive was diverted home by Mukairu to snatch parity from the jaws of defeat before the half-time whistle, sending the players down the tunnel with cheers from the 1,500 travelling fans rather than the loud boos that were being prepared.

The second half was, thankfully, a much less eventful showing than the first. Wing forced former Royal Luke Southwood into a strong save and Harvey Knibbs nearly set the midfielder up, however, his pass was deemed too high. The hosts pushed hard without testing Button too much but nearly won it in the final minute as substitute Nathan Butler Oyedeji cut in and curled an effort inches away from the top corner.

Still mired in the dropzone, fellow strugglers Exeter City visit the SCL Stadium on New Years’ Day to provide the latest opportunity to move out of the bottom four.