Modou Barrow scores his 9th goal of the season in a one all draw against Bolton Wanderers at the Madjeski Stadium this evening.

The Gambian forward, who had missed the team’s last game against Sheffield United last Tuesday, was among six changes made by Jaap Stam for this evening’s game, which also saw defender Tom Holmes handed his first team debut.

And again the Gambian international continued to score his second consecutive goal in the last two outings, against Derby County, where, like today, he scored in the 32nd minute to put his team ahead, and he also turned provider against Nottingham Forest the week before that, where his clever touch set up Omar Richards to give his side the lead.

The goal tonight will set the pacey forward on course for another personal accolade, the February player of the month, for which the voting is still ongoing. Which will be a remarkable feat, having alresdy won the award for both November and December.

His goal tonight was all about his electric pace. Having collected a neat pass from Chris Martin, the 25-year-old former Swansea City flyer used his pace to burn down the left flank before drilling a low shot across Bolton’s goal past Alnwick, and into the far corner to give his team a 1- 0 lead, and for his 9th goal of the season. It was a great solo run of power, precision and directness.

However the relegation threatened Royals, who have been struggling of late to keep leads, conceded again just before the half-time break in 45th minute, with Adam Le Fondre equalising for the visitors.

The second half ended without any goals and the game finished 1-1 with reading still just points away from the drop zone.

For Barrow though, it has been some season for him already as Reading’s leading scorer and one of their most consistent performers this term. He’s also been one of their most dangerous players with his pace and finishing prowess and Jaap Stam will hope can keep scoring the goals and so will the Gambian fans.

By: Omar Jatta