Shane Long's late equaliser earned Championship leaders Reading a point as they extended their unbeaten league run to 26 matches against 10-man Derby.

Irishman Long scored his first goal in English football three minutes from time to cancel out Seth Johnson's 61st-minute strike for the Rams, who had Andrew Davies sent off with 20 minutes remaining.

Johnson had given the Rams a first-half lead, but Kevin Doyle hit back within two minutes as 2005's Championship action came to an exciting close at Pride Park.

The Rams made a spirited start but neither side was able to create a clear effort on goal until the 21st minute, when Danny Graham - playing the last game of his loan spell from Middlesbrough - turned neatly on the edge of the box, but his shot was directed straight at Marcus Hahnemann in the Reading goal.

The home side made the breakthrough after 32 minutes when Tommy Smith beat the offside trap and got to the byline, before pulling the ball back to Johnson, who sidefooted home from six yards.

It was the first goal the Royals have conceded away from home in more than seven hours of football, and Johnson's first goal since he returned to Pride Park earlier this season.

But his joy was shortlived as the Royals hit back straight away through Doyle's 11th goal of the season, when he got in front of Davies to head Glen Little's cross past Lee Camp.

Johnson shot straight at Hahnemann, and Little's attempted chip was easily caught by Camp as the half drew to a close.

Inigo Idiakez drew a good save out of Hahnemann just after the restart, before Brynjar Gunnarsson's long-range effort missed the target for the visitors.

Lee Holmes then missed a gilt-edged chance for the Rams, firing over when well placed in the box, but Johnson restored their lead after 61 minutes when the impressive Graham headed into his path and he rifled a 20-yard half-volley past Hahnemann.

Royals boss Steve Coppell introduced Long - like Doyle a former Cork City player - for only his second appearance with 20 minutes left on the clock and, with his first touch, Long was brought down by Davies, who had already been booked, and referee Brian Curson wasted no time in showing him a second yellow card.

It was the third red card of the season for the on-loan Middlesbrough man, and left his side a man down as they tried to hold on for a crucial win.

But with just three minutes remaining, Nicky Shorey's corner found its way to Doyle at the back post, and he headed across goal to his countryman Long, who got up highest to level the scores.

And it could have been even worse for the Rams in stoppage time but Marc Edworthy's header went narrowly over his own bar, and both sides had to settle for a point.

Derby (1) 2 Reading (1) 2

Derby Camp, Jackson, Davies, Nyatanga, Edworthy, Smith (Michael Johnson 71), Bolder, Idiakez, Seth Johnson, Holmes (Thirlwell 77), Graham (Peschisolido 86).

Subs Not Used: Poole, Barnes.

Sent Off: Davies (71).

Booked: Davies.

Goals: Seth Johnson 32, 62.

Reading Hahnemann, Murty (Harper 86), Ingimarsson, Sonko, Shorey, Little, Sidwell, Gunnarsson, Convey (Long 70), Doyle, Hunt (Oster 81).

Subs Not Used: Stack, Makin.

Goals: Doyle 34, Long 88.

Att: 21,434

Ref: B Curson (Leicestershire).