Bees still without win after draw with Reading
Brentford 1 Reading 1
Brentford remain without a Championship victory despite Josh Clarke’s first league goal in almost 11 months.
Clarke struck in the 17th minute to put the Bees ahead but Rico Henry’s foul saw Liam Kelly equalise from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
Andreas Bjelland was denied by a double save by Royals keeper Vito Mannone as Brentford pressed for a winner late on, but had to settle for a fourth draw in eight games.
Things had started well for Dean Smith’s side when Clarke slipped the ball into Neal Maupay and collected the return pass before firing in at the near post.
Mannone also saved from summer signings Kamo Mokotjo and Maupay, while Reading’s first major threat came after the break when Daniel Bentley palmed away a Roy Beerens shot.
Florian Jozefzoon shot wide after a good run and Brentford were to regret not extending their lead when Henry was adjudged to have fouled Liam Moore from a free-kick, and midfielder Kelly blasted in the penalty.
Mannone frustrated the Bees, saving from Ollie Watkins and Bjelland, while former Fulham forward Sone Aluko could have won it with a shot from distance that just clipped the crossbar.
Brentford: Bentley; Clarke, Egan, Bjelland, Henry; Mokotjo (Yennaris 74), Woods; Jozefzoon (Archibald 87), Sawyers (McEachran 74), Watkins; Maupay.
Subs not used: Daniels, Barbet, Mepham, Shaibu.
