Reading boss Ruben Selles labelled yesterday's Thames Valley Derby a 'beautiful' experience.

Regular opponents during the 20th century, Reading and Oxford United had not met in the league for over 20 years and was a hotly-anticipated clash.

A damp squib on the field, both sides struggled to build momentum in a tense 1-1 draw in front of nearly 15,000 supporters at the SCL Stadium.

Sam Smith, a former Oxford loanee, equalised within four minutes of Ciaron Brown's header as the two goals came in quick succession.

Speaking after the game on the experience as a whole, Selles said: "I think it was a fantastic football environment. I think our fans enjoyed that. We wanted to get the three points for our fans but unfortunately, we didn’t but we got the draw. It was beautiful to see those emotions and people supporting the team. I’m very happy I was here today."

The Royals, still battling relegation, make the return visit to the Kassam Stadium in February.