Preston 1-1 Reading: Sunday Mirror match report

Jem Karacan's brilliant strike gave Reading a deserved point at Preston as Brian McDermott’s side continued their decent start to the season.

Republic of Ireland winger Keith Treacy gave Preston an early lead but Darren Ferguson’s men were second best throughout and had Darel Russell sent off late on.

Karacan, who had managed only one league goal for the Royals in over 50 appearances, crashed in a long-range leveller after the break.

Reading, without suspended captain Matt Mills, struggled early on and Preston full-back Billy Jones was allowed a free header from five yards but put it wide.

Shane Long then launched a Reading counter-attack and fed Jobi McAnuff who cut inside before smashing a shot against the bar.

Preston forged ahead in the 23rd minute, Iain Hume picking out Treacy perfectly to convert at the near post.

Reading almost drew level when Zurab Khizanishvili headed on an Ian Harte corner only for Andy Lonergan to make a fine save.

But the Royals pressure paid off when Karacan put them level in the 55th minute.

Another Harte delivery did the damage and, when his corner was half cleared, Karacan was on hand to power home an unstoppable half-volley from 25 yards.

McAnuff was denied by Lonergan as the visitors looked for a winner before Russell was sent off.

The former Norwich midfielder who had been booked in the first half for tripping Jimmy Kebe, could have little complaint after his foul on Long earned him a second yellow.