Match Report
Reading
H Knibbs (30)
B Elliott (57)
Huddersfield
M Pearson (21)
Superbly taken goals from Harvey Knibbs and Ben Elliot either side of half time gave
Reading a morale-boosting win and three valuable points at the end of yet another turbulent
week off the pitch for Reading Football Club. Having made a bright start to the season, both
teams were eager to end a run of two defeats their previous games. Huddersfield will be
disappointed to come away with nothing to show for their endeavours after dominating
possession and taking a deserved lead midway through the first half.
One of several clumsy and unnecessary free-kicks conceded by Reading contributed to the opening goal. Elliott, the culprit on this occasion, receiving a yellow card accordingly. Button pulled off a good save to keep out Evans' kick but Pearson, one of the four Town players following up, headed past the unprotected Button from close range, while a statuesque Reading defence looked on, rooted to the spot. Nine minutes later Reading were level, when Knibb's sharpness and persistence on the edge of the box earned himself a sight of goal of which he took full advantage finding the net with a ferocious strike giving 'keeper Chapman no chance.
Reading struggled to retain possession and escape from their own half, and apart from Ehibhatiomhan's pace taking him past Spencer on the left wing, rarely threatened the visitor's goal. Spencer earned an early yellow card for his efforts to contain the Reading striker. In contrast on the other side of the pitch Campbell turned in another disappointing low impact performance and was later replaced by Akande who also struggled, but at least brought a bit more energy to the attack late in the game. Elloitt was clearly identified as a creative threat and was always quickly and robustly challenged in midfield.
Reading started the second half on the front foot and Huddersfield looked uncomfortable at the back for the first time in the match. A sharp exchange of short passes from a corner after fifty-seven minutes resulted a precise and composed strike from Elliott which put Reading ahead. Huddersfield responded by replacing virtually half their outfield players (including three already on a yellow card) making four substitutions.
Injury to Arbrefa forced Ruben Seles to bring on Dean and switch Mbengue to left back for the last ten minutes (plus seven minutes stoppage time) as Reading 'managed' the game with some blatant, and unpunished time-wasting. Ehibhatiomhan sat down to be treated for cramp, Mbengue taking a ridiculous amount of time over taking throw -ins, and then doing his share of sitting down for treatment. How on earth he got away without receiving a yellow card only the referee will know. Reading had chances to hit Town on the break as they pushed up in search of an equaliser, but Reading could not take advantage and kill the game off.
Interesting statistics for the game. Huddersfield registered nineteen attempts on goal with only seven on target. Reading had six, all on target, four of which were blocked. Huddersfield's 'keeper didn't make any saves. By comparison Button made six saves (all the other attempts on target were blocked) and has every reason to be satisfied with his performance today.
As mentioned previously Reading scored two cracking goals, worked very hard without the ball, and can justifiably claim to have earned their three points. There may be huge problems off the field, but it is a pleasure how Selles is increasing responding and engaging with the fans, and showing tremendous commitment to our club.
John Wells
One of several clumsy and unnecessary free-kicks conceded by Reading contributed to the opening goal. Elliott, the culprit on this occasion, receiving a yellow card accordingly. Button pulled off a good save to keep out Evans' kick but Pearson, one of the four Town players following up, headed past the unprotected Button from close range, while a statuesque Reading defence looked on, rooted to the spot. Nine minutes later Reading were level, when Knibb's sharpness and persistence on the edge of the box earned himself a sight of goal of which he took full advantage finding the net with a ferocious strike giving 'keeper Chapman no chance.
Reading struggled to retain possession and escape from their own half, and apart from Ehibhatiomhan's pace taking him past Spencer on the left wing, rarely threatened the visitor's goal. Spencer earned an early yellow card for his efforts to contain the Reading striker. In contrast on the other side of the pitch Campbell turned in another disappointing low impact performance and was later replaced by Akande who also struggled, but at least brought a bit more energy to the attack late in the game. Elloitt was clearly identified as a creative threat and was always quickly and robustly challenged in midfield.
Reading started the second half on the front foot and Huddersfield looked uncomfortable at the back for the first time in the match. A sharp exchange of short passes from a corner after fifty-seven minutes resulted a precise and composed strike from Elliott which put Reading ahead. Huddersfield responded by replacing virtually half their outfield players (including three already on a yellow card) making four substitutions.
Injury to Arbrefa forced Ruben Seles to bring on Dean and switch Mbengue to left back for the last ten minutes (plus seven minutes stoppage time) as Reading 'managed' the game with some blatant, and unpunished time-wasting. Ehibhatiomhan sat down to be treated for cramp, Mbengue taking a ridiculous amount of time over taking throw -ins, and then doing his share of sitting down for treatment. How on earth he got away without receiving a yellow card only the referee will know. Reading had chances to hit Town on the break as they pushed up in search of an equaliser, but Reading could not take advantage and kill the game off.
Interesting statistics for the game. Huddersfield registered nineteen attempts on goal with only seven on target. Reading had six, all on target, four of which were blocked. Huddersfield's 'keeper didn't make any saves. By comparison Button made six saves (all the other attempts on target were blocked) and has every reason to be satisfied with his performance today.
As mentioned previously Reading scored two cracking goals, worked very hard without the ball, and can justifiably claim to have earned their three points. There may be huge problems off the field, but it is a pleasure how Selles is increasing responding and engaging with the fans, and showing tremendous commitment to our club.
John Wells