Joe Royle was showered with tributes in the build-up to his 1,000th match in football management.

But the milestone memento he craved most of all - three precious points - proved elusive as Ipswich Town were frustrated by Reading.

Town had the upper hand against the leaders but, crucially, failed to capitalise on a catalogue of chances.

While that no doubt infuriated the veteran boss, he can at least draw comfort from the fact his side are still handily placed in third spot, just a single point behind top dogs Reading.

Kuqi, who turned Saturday's match on its head with two late goals to secure a 3-2 win, justified his recall by muscling behind marker Ivar Ingimarsson.

Reading drew level through Dave Kitson.

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Published Wednesday, September 29, 2004

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