Andy Rinomhota’s fine strike on 97th minutes stole a much-needed point for Reading at Championship pace-setters Norwich City, after two goals in two minutes had left Royals reeling late on.
Yakou Meite put Royals in front against the run of play after half an hour, receiving from Mo Barrow down the left before rifling the ball into the roof of the net to stun the 26,000 strong crowd inside Carrow Road.
Norwich fought back and almost equalised immediately after the restart, striking the woodwork through Tom Trybull before eventually levelling the affair four minutes from time when Ben Godfrey’s terrific strike from range sailed past Emi Martinez between the Royals sticks. Christoph Zimmermann’s header completed the turnaround moments later, as Reading’s hard work was finally undone.
But the story didn’t end there, as young Andy Rinomhota, who had only recently been introduced fired home his first goal for the club to restore parity in the dying moments.
Norwich City boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Norfolk:
“It was unbelievably disappointing. It was one of those days where you have to say football can be absolutely unfair.
“My feeling is that we were by far the better side. Of course [to concede] in the 96th minute was disappointing.
“We had 75% possession and more than 20 shots on target, Reading had two shots on target and both went in, but we have to accept it.”
Jose Gomes spoke afterwards of his side’s resolve and determination not to give in to the disappointment of conceding twice.
“My players didn’t deserve to lose this game. For the brave way they defended during more than 80 minutes. We changed the plan, put on one more defender.
“They created some dangerous situations when they put the ball in the box from crosses. My players did really well.
“One mistake and they scored and two or three minutes later they changed the game.
