Pre-season friendly round-up

Reading and QPR win, Doncaster held

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 19th July 2008

Stephen Hunt Reading

Hunt: On target for Reading

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There were wins for Reading and Queens Park Rangers on a busy Saturday of pre-season action, while Doncaster could only draw.

Reading battled to a 2-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons to boost confidence ahead of the new season.

Jimmy Kebe opened the scoring for the Royals in the 18th minute after good work from Liam Rosenior, only for Sam Boldock to equalise for MK Dons seven minutes later.

Stephen Hunt put Reading back in front after 65 minutes and MK Dons could not respond as Roberto Di Matteo's first game in charge ended in defeat.

Championship new boys Doncaster salvaged a late 1-1 draw against Scunthorpe, who dropped out of the second tier at the end of last season.

Ian Morris headed the Iron ahead after three minutes and Doncaster trailed until the 86th minute when Stuart Elliott lobbed home beautifully from the edge of the area.

It was also a frustrating day for Derby as they drew 0-0 with League Two outfit Rotherham in difficult conditions at the Don Valley Stadium.

Queens Park Rangers, among the favourites to win promotion to the Premier League, saw off Stevenage 3-1.

Hogan Ephraim (15), Romone Rose (46) and Matteo Alberti (60) did the damage for Iain Dowie's side, before Iyseden Christie scored a consolation goal in the 64th minute.

Preston ran out convincing 3-0 winners over Morecambe as their preparations for the new season continued.

Sean St Ledger (3), Karl Hawley (7) and Neil Mellor (24) found the target for Alan Irvine's side.

Barnsley suffered a shock defeat as they lost 2-0 to Yeovil with Gavin Tomlin (40) and Lloyd Owusu striking for the League One side.

Sheffield United finished their European tour with a crushing 4-1 victory over Helmond Sport, their third win in a row.

Jon Stead's opener on 20 minutes was cancelled out by the Dutch second division side but the former Sunderland striker added a second after 32 minutes.

Stephen Quinn made it 3-1 in the 67th minute and a late own goal completed the rout.

Burnley played out a 1-1 draw against Uefa Cup qualifiers Queen of the South.

Martin Paterson broke the deadlock for the Clarets after 41 minutes but the Scottish side levelled five minutes from time through Stewart Kean's header.

Blackpool kept their first clean sheet of pre-season but could not force a win as their clash with Wrexham finished goalless.

Elsewhere, Norwich started their tour of Sweden with a 2-1 success against Ahlafors IF.