Reading battled to a hard-earned 2-2 draw with Barnsley at Oakwell, picking up four away points in a week.

Falling behind early to Davis Keillor-Dunn's strike, Sam Smith netted a quickfire brace to put the Royals ahead before Josh Earl levelled late on.

It was night and day from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Peterborough United, starting slow and nervy despite the confidence which should be coursing through their veins.

Barnsley had the better of the early exchanges, but it was Reading who created the first half-chance, Smith lashing over the crossbar after working it well through the midfield. Straight up the other end, Michael Craig lost possession on the edge of the penalty box and Keillor-Dunn was only too happy to pick up the loose pieces and side foot past Joel Pereira to open the scoring. Falling behind did not have the desired effect, and it certainly did not kick the Royals into action.

The Tykes continued to press were all over Ruben Selles’ side. Adam Phillips, who scored in the last meeting at Oakwell in April, nearly doubled the advantage on the 20-minute mark, his powerful drive deflecting off Jeriel Dorsett and into the grateful arms of Pereira. Reading chances were few and far between, forcing a string of corners on the half-hour mark but failing to force Ben Killip into action. The ever-dangerous Keillor-Dunn, who was mercurial for Mansfield Town last season in earning promotion to League One, thought he had doubled his tally and had some fans off their seats, but it was the side netting hit and not between the posts.

Reading’s best chance of the half fell to Charlie Savage as Ben Elliott drove through midfield and fed the Wales international on the edge of the box. A more difficult chance with the ball moving across his body, the attempt was ultimately off target and the Royals were grateful to head back down the tunnel at half-time only the one goal behind.

In need of a reaction after the break, Selles certainly got one as the scores were level within five minutes. Campbell cut in from the wing and whipped a shot toward the far post. Thinking fast, Smith diverted the ball toward the near post, leaving Killip flat-footed and helpless as the ball floated past him and into the net. Night and day from the first half, a very competitive Royals outfit made for a thrilling contest in freezing conditions.

With 25 minutes left on the clock, the Tykes should have regained the lead as Stephen Humphrys was sent clear on goal with the keeper. Standing his ground, Pereira stopped the attempt with his feet and sent the visitors back up the other end. Winning a corner, Savage swung the ball into the box and after a header had clattered the crossbar, Smith was on hand to turn the ball back over the line and turn the tie on its head.

The hosts, a threat throughout, were not behind for long though as Reading failed to clear their lines following an aerial bombardment and Earl was on hand to slam home the equaliser through a crowd of players.

Humphrys hit the post from a corner and Mamadi Camara had a chance at the back post but during a scrappy closing stage both sides warranted a point.

Reading host Harborough Town in the FA Cup on Sunday before hosting Cambridge United on Tuesday.