Reading FC 2022 Easter resurrection revisited as heat ramps up

Despite taking the lead early through Lucas Joao, a second-half comeback condemned the Royals to defeat.

Losses for Derby County and Peterborough did little to change the survival stakes as matches ticked away, but a point for Barnsley kept the Tykes eight points behind Paul Ince's Royals with 18 to play for.

Looking back a year on, it seems a tad overhyped that the Easter weekend was make-or-break for the Royals, and is often seen as the turning point for which safety was confirmed.

This is despite a previous four game unbeaten run, including a crucial point against rivals Barnsley.

However, now written into Royal folklore, the Bank Holiday clashes with Sheffield United and Swansea City are ones which will live with supporters forever.

Sheffield United 1-2 Reading

Written off before a ball had been kicked, the away side comfortably held the Blades at arms-length at Bramall Lane, deservedly taking a first-half lead through Lucas Joao and almost doubling it through Ovie Ejaria.

As expected, the promotion-chasing side pressed hard in the second-half, but were largely limited to distance strikes or crowded out.

Hearbreak was to come in stoppage time as Tom McIntyre failed to clear a lofted pass and Iliman N'Diaye, now one of the league's biggest talents, squeezed past Nyland to seemingly nick a point.

However, from agony to ecstacy, a floated free-kick dropped kindly for McIntyre to smash past Wes Foderingham and steal the three points.

Becoming the first team to win at Bramall Lane under Paul Heckingbottom, wins for Derby and Peterborough made it vital that points were not dropped in the race for survival.

Now extending to nine points clear with four to go, safety was almost secured.

Reading 4-4 Swansea City

If Good Friday wasn't dramatic enough, Easter Monday would go on to become one of the most remarkable comebacks in Easter history- well at least since...

All was going to plan early on when Lucas Joao converted a third minute penalty to put the hosts in the lead.

Russell Martin's stylish Swans were in no mood to help the party mood in Berkshire though, clinically finding themselves 3-1 up by half-time.

Michael Obafemi added to this on the hour mark and all hope was lost.

Well so we thought.

Tom Ince volleyed home on the hour mark and ironic jeers rang out as fans expected a consolation goal.

The mood visably lifted when Joao powered home for his brace, and there was only going to be one outcome.

In the dying stages, Joao nodded down a cross and McIntyre controlled on his chest before slamming home an unlikely equaliser.

Embarking on a rampage up the length of the East Stand, Graeme Murty-esque, defeats for the Rams and Barnsley rendered them out of the survival hunt.

Outcome

Going on to officially retain second tier status after a 3-0 defeat to Hull City, there is no denying that Easter was crucial.

But ultimately, the Royals would lose three successive games and not muster a goal, while still surviving with four points to spare.

The body blows to rivals of popping up with late goals certainly helped, and truly galvanaised the club and more importantly the supporters.

What does this mean for this season?

With the news of a six-point deduction hitting the club, the Royal find themselves in a much more precarious situation than 12 months ago.

With no four match unbetean run and not eight point buffer, just a point separates the bottom three.

Twin that with teams such as Huddersfield and Wigan seeming to find some form, and Reading being one of the most out-of-form teams in the Football League, it's a recipe for disaster.

On paper, Birmingham City and Preston should be games where the side can pick up crucial points, but as we know the game isn't played on paper.

Having said all of that, it's still in their hands. Another Easter revival, and Championship football could be remaining at RG2 for another season.