Unbeaten run goes on ... on-the-whistle report: Reading 1 Rotherham United 1

The Millers were making light of their double-figure casualty count and leading 1-0 in the closing stages through Josh Benson's first-half goal.

However, a stunning strike from Charlie Savage with 12 minutes to go saw them have to settle for a point.

It was well earned and extended their unbeaten third-tier record to eight successive matches and kept them in 11th place. These are encouraging times for Matt Hamshaw's developing side.

The draw came against former boss Leam Richardson who last month took the Reading hot-seat.

Rotherham had a let-off in the 13th minute when Reading's rangy frontman, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, latched on to a long ball and, with goalkeeper Cameron Dawson already committed, placed a low shot from a tight angle wide of the far post.

They took full advantage of that by taking the lead soon afterwards, Benson tucking the ball home following some slick work down the right predominantly involving Denzel Hall.

In the driving rain in Berkshire, the visitors were trying to win on Royal soil for the first time in 21 attempts – a run of frustration stretching back nearly half a century to 1977.

Organised, committed defending has become a feature of their play in recent weeks and once again they were repelling a team on their travels.

A Benson shot was deflected wide close to the half-hour mark and Jordan Hugill headed too high as the Millers took every chance they could to get forward.

At the other end, between those efforts, Savage was foiled at the near post and and Ehibhatiomhan wastefully lifted the ball over the bar from close range.

Rotherham enjoyed a slice of good fortune when what looked like a clear handball by Hamish Douglas inside the penalty area went unpunished by referee Alan Young.

Hugill started the match, despite an ankle issue, and was the only senior striker in the squad because of all the injury absentees.

Midfield man Benson was given an attacking role while Ar'Jany Martha was on the bench after returning from international duty with Curacao on the eve of the fixture.

A very welcome sight among the substitutes was loan centre-half Thomas Holmes, finally fit again after damaging his knee on his debut back in early September.

It was a big day for the 25-year-old in more ways than one because he was back at the stadium where he began his career in Royals colours.

Hugill lasted until the break before being replaced by Martha and little happened in the opening stages of the second half.

Dawson comfortably held on to an Andy Ritchie shot and then pulled off the save of the match to thwart Savage from distance.

Holmes came on to strengthen the Millers' bid to see out the game but Savage’s magic undid that plan.

Dawson repelled Ehibhatiomhan and Martha shot into the side netting as the clock ticked down.

Rotherham were disappointed not to hang on for victory but still deserved their standing ovation from away fans at the end.

Reading (3-4-2-1): Joel Pereira; Paudie O'Connor, Derrick Williams, Jeriel Dorsett (Mamadi Camara 73); Kelvin Abrefa (Andy Yiadom 73), Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage, Randell Williams (Mark O'Mahony 61); Matt Ritchie (Andre Garcia 61), Kamari Doyle; Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. Subs not used: Jack Stevens, Andy Rinomhota, Michael Stickland.

Rotherham (3-4-3): Cameron Dawson; Joe Rafferty, Hamish Douglas, Reece James; Denzel Hall, Kian Spence, Dan Gore, Joe Powell; Shaun McWilliams (Dru Yearwood H-T), Jordan Hugill (Ar'Jany Martha H-T), Josh Benson (Thomas Holmes 66). Subs not used: Ted Cann, Liam Kelly, Jack Holmes, Josh Ayres.

Goals: Benson 20 (Rotherham); Savage 78 (Reading)

Referee: Alan Young (Swindon)

Attendance: 15,279 (407)