READING missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs after they drew with visiting Burnley 2-2, and Brighton grabbed a late winner at Nottingham Forest to pip them to sixth place.

The Royals started the day knowing a victory would assure them a place in the play-offs and they took the lead after 16 minutes, when Job McAnuff’s cross was turned into his own goal by Kieran Trippier.

However, by the break, already promoted Burnley led 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott Arfield and Danny Ings.

Reading levelled just before the hour from a super 20-yard volley from Garath McCleary and at the time this was enough to put the Royals into the final play-off spot.

Unfortunately, an injury time winner from Brighton saw Reading miss out by a point.

The Royals boss Nigel Adkins said: “It's important you feel the pain and the hurt because that's what makes you work even harder. You need to have a negative experience to make you stronger.”