Lucky Eriksson thanks Ireland for keeping Manchester City record intact

With time running out the Republic of Ireland international found space in the penalty area to meet substitute Geovanni's header and thrash the ball past Marcus Hahnemann to break Reading hearts.

Up to that moment it appeared that Steve Coppell's side were going to take an unlikely point and end the only 100 per cent home record in the Premier League. Having gone into the match on the back of five successive defeats on their travels Reading looked to have little chance against Sven Goran Eriksson's expensively assembled top-three team.

But, just as Steve McClaren found earlier in the week when his side failed to win a match they were expected to, so his predecessor appeared to be destined for the same fate.

Maybe it was because of players returning from international duty that City were not at their best, being transformed from a side comfortably in command for most of the first half into one desperately seeking a winner.

It had all started so well as Reading's lack of confidence on the road was apparent in the early stages and, particularly, in the 11th minute goal they conceded.

When Ireland broke clear on the right his cross set up Brazilian Elano for what should have been a simple goal. But he sidefooted his shot against a post only for the Reading defence to get into such a muddle that, after two more shots were blocked, the ball ran for Martin Petrov to drive home from six yards.

Against the odds, Reading snatched an equaliser two minutes before the interval.

Coppell's men had barely mounted a worthwhile attack before Kevin Doyle forced his way down the left, crossed to Bobby Convey and the American set up James Harper to fire past Andreas Isaksson.

But Ireland ensured Reading came away with nothing.