A 90th MINUTE howler from Reading FC keeper Ali Al Habsi gifted QPR all three points in tonight's televised clash at Madejski Stadium, writes Anthony Smith.

Royals looked to have secured a least a draw in a dire match that only burst to life in the latter stages.

But the hosts switched off at the death and Al Habsi allowed a Nedum Onuoha header to creep in at the near post to break Royals hearts.

It should have been a rudimentary save for the Oman stopper and his error will no doubt lead to calls for Steve Clarke to restore Jonathan Bond between the sticks – or delve into the transfer market.

Yet Clarke is coming under increasing pressure himself from the Royals' faithful after another lacklustre display from his side as they slumped to back-to-back Championship defeats.

 

Reading have now won only once in their last eight league games and boos rang around the Madejski Stadium at the final whistle.

It was, of course, supposed to be a memorable night for the home side as they paid tribute to Sir John Madejski's 25 years at the helm.

The presence of legendary Reading manager Steve Coppell in the stands only added to the occasion.

Yet the man who took Reading into the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2006 will not have been too impressed with what he saw on the pitch.

 

Reading were disjointed for most of the night, though they were unlucky not to score when Nick Blackman slammed a free-kick against Rob Green's crossbar in the second half.

But overall it was a game of few chances, which will make Al Habsi's error that much harder to swallow.

Clarke made three changes to his starting line-up with fit-again Anton Ferdinand replacing the injured Paul McShane in the heart of defence.

Alex Fernandez came in for his first appearance since the 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City a month ago in place of Orlando Sa, while Garath McCleary shook off a knock to replace Lucas Piazon, who was not even on the bench.

It also saw Clarke tinker with his formation and name a three-man midfield of Danny Williams, Oliver Norwood and Fernandez.

 

But it was McCleary who helped create the first chance on 11 minutes when a mazy dribble brought a free-kick on the right.

Norwood slung it to the back post, but Hector's diving header flashed just wide as he attempted to direct the ball back across Green.

It was a game of cat-of-mouse for long periods and it took Rangers 27 minutes to test Al Habsi, who was equal to Junior Hoilett's effort.

Reading, though, broke up field and went close again on the counter attack.

However, Vydra was caught in two minds and dragged an effort wide of the far post when Blackman was screaming for a pass in front of goal.

And other than a long-range effort from Andrew Taylor that was nowhere near that target, that was about all the action there was in a dire first half.

 

The visitors improved after the interval and Sandro saw a powerful effort deflected wide on 52 minutes.

But by that stage Rangers fans were calling for Charlie Austin to come on.

Shortly before interim boss Neil Warnock obliged, Royals almost took the lead.

Again, it was the Norwood-Hector combination which caused the visitors problems.

This time Norwood's free-kick from near the halfway line was stabbed wide by Hector via a deflection.

And from McCleary's subsequent corner, Hector climbed highest only to power a header a foot over the bar.

Royals' tails were up and they almost broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when Blackman's superb 25-yard free-kick had Green well beaten – only for the ball to smack the crossbar.

It was one of those nights, though at least the game opened up as both teams desperately pushed for a late winner.

Ranger only had themselves to blame for not seizing the opportunity with 10 minutes to go when a free-kick was flicked onto the unmarked Onuoha eight yards out from goal. But the centre-back panicked and headed over when it looked easier to score.

Royals threatened again moments later when an angled drive from fit-again Hal Robson-Kanu skidded just wide.

But it was Rangers who provided the late drama by grabbing a 90th minute winner that once again cast doubt over Al Habsi's goalkeeping.

Alejandro Faurlin pumped a corner to the back post where Onuoha had peeled of his marker.

The ex-Manchester City defender got plenty of purchase on his header, though Al Habsi looked to have it covered all the way.

However, the Oman stopper somehow took his eye off the ball which bounced off his body and gently over the line to break Reading's hearts.

Royals fans were quick to vent their frustrations at the final whistle as those on social media began calling for Clarke's head.

Whether it comes to that remains to be seen but Reading will have to play much better if they are to maintain any sort of play-off challenge.

READING: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, Hector (c), Ferdinand, Norwood, Williams, Fernandez (Robson-Kanu 74), McCleary, Vydra (John 80), Blackman (Sa 80). Subs not used: Bond, Obita, Hurtado, Cooper. Yellow cards: Norwood 67.

QPR: Green, Perch, Hill, Onuoha, Konchesky, Sandro, Faurlin, Petrasso (Austin 64), Fer, Hoilett (Chery 76), Phillips. Subs not used: Smithies, Angella, Henry, Luongo, Tozser. Yellow card: Fer 31, Hall (42).

Referee: Andrew Madley.

Attendance: 16,365 (QPR 1,376).