Late Salako strike steals victory for Reading

Reading 2 Gillingham 1

Offcuts from Manchester United and Arsenal had their differing parts to play in this match but it was an 88th minute strike by John Salako, once of the more humble parishes of Crystal Palace and Charlton, that settled this Division One game in Reading's favour.

The former England winger celebrates his 34th birthday today and his deflected goal, which moved Reading into fifth place, was well-timed for other reasons, as he has received some criticism from fans for his failure to get on the scoresheet. His third goal in two games should at least stop that for the time being.

The pre-match build-up had focused on Luke Chadwick, who has joined Reading on a month's loan from Manchester United, and the winger shone briefly, including with a deflected goal of his own after 13 minutes, before fading and being substituted. Reading's other notable cast-off is Steve Sidwell, who signed from Arsenal last month. He was given a chance to score the winner on 70 minutes but, after the otherwise outstanding Jason Brown had fouled Darius Henderson, he telegraphed his effort and Brown had an easy save to make.

Gillingham had taken the lead after just 10 minutes when their player-manager Andy Hessenthaler chipped a well-worked free-kick that found Rod Wallace and the former Leeds striker powered his header past Marcus Hahnemann. Reading were not behind for long as Chadwick cut inside from the right-hand flank, and saw his shot pick up a vital deflection off Leon Johnson.

Reading (4-5-1): Hahnemann; Murty, Williams, S Brown, Shorey; Salako, Harper (Henderson, 67), Newman, Sidwell (Hughes, 83), Chadwick (Tyson, 77); Forster. Substitutes not used: Mackie, Ashdown (gk).

Gillingham (4-4-2): J Brown; Edge, Smith, Nosworthy, Johnson; James, Smith, Hessenthaler (Perpetuini, 83), Southall; Sidibe (Ipoua, 73), Wallace. Substitutes not used: Rose, Spiller, Knowles (gk).

Referee: P Rejer (Droitwich Spa).