Reading fell at the final hurdle in their gallant bid to reach the League One play-offs as they lost 4-2 at home to Barnsley.
The Royals had needed to better Leyton Orient’s result on the last day of the season to creep into the top six.
But the defeat – and Orient’s 4-1 win at Huddersfield – meant it was the Londoners who finished sixth and took the final play-off slot.
A scrappy first half at the SCL Stadium finished goalless, but the visitors took a stranglehold on the game with goals from Stephen Humphrys and Jon Russell in a five-minute spell soon after the interval.
Lewis Wing reduced the deficit after 67 minutes, but Barnsley’s Davis Keillor-Dunn struck in the 79th and 85th minutes – taking his goal tally to 19 this season – to compound the home misery.
Billy Bodin’s late goal proved a mere Royals consolation.
Reading have faced numerous off-the-field financial problems throughout the campaign under the troubled ownership of Dai Yongge, but they now appear to be over.
The Berkshire club announced early on Saturday the takeover by American businessman Rob Couhig, the former Wycombe owner, would be completed next week “subject to final legal technicalities”.
With Couhig watching from the directors’ box, Reading made a positive start through two early efforts from Wing.
Barnsley goalkeeper Joe Gauci made a fine save from Wing’s low drive, then could only look on as the midfielder’s 20-yard free-kick drifted narrowly wide.
The Tykes broke quickly when allowed, with home keeper Joel Pereira having to make a smart stop to deny Barry Cotter.
The Royals’ attacking threat became increasingly ragged and, with Orient leading 2-1 at Huddersfield at half-time, their play-off chances began to look remote.
Those chances seemed non-existent when Barnsley struck twice, Humphrys guiding home from a tight angle in the 52nd minute and Russell doing similar in the 57th minute from a low Cotter cross.
Wing gave Reading hope, tucking home neatly after poor Tykes defensive work, but Keillor-Dunn pounced twice from close range to effectively settle the issue.
Despite substitute Bodin’s added-time effort, Reading’s brave campaign ended on an unhappy note.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts A...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 2 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 3 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 4 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 5 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 6 Garnacho reveals he intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departure
- 7 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career
- 8 Daily Laugh - If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze
- 9 Man Utd snubbed loan deal for Duran after his 3336k-a-week wages were revealed
- 10 Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette finds new club! Striker set to complete move to Saudi Pro League side after Lyon exit