Despite constant late pressure from the home team, Reading held out to secure three more points at Exeter City and climb to seventh place in the League One - just outside of the play-off positions on goal difference. The Royals opted for several changes after the weekend's 4-1 home victory over Crawley Town, which included swapping the front three and handing Jayden Wareham his first league start for Reading after 13 appearances from the bench. From kick-off, and after 45 seconds of Exeter playing the ball around in their defensive third, Wareham made the perfect start when Knibbs stole the ball from the defender and passed to Wareham who fired across the goalkeeper, putting the ball inside the post to put Reading ahead inside the first minute.
Reading had been the better side in the first half and extended their lead with nine minutes left to play of the first half, again scoring inside the box with Exeter failing to deal with Reading pressure close to goal. Michael Craig took full advantage after a shot came back out to him to make it 2-0 at half time.
After the break, Exeter improved and Reading were forced to go on the defensive. After failing to take advantage moments before when they should have scored, Exter finally pulled one back on 58 minutes to set up a very nervous last 30 minutes for the travelling Reading fans. The final 10 minutes of the game Exeter dominated and it felt like it was just a matter of time before the equaliser came, but somehow Reading held out thanks to some determined defending, the post, and Exeter's inability to take advantage of a string of decent chances.
Exeter City 1 Reading 2
Reading Hold On To Climb To Seventh
From the Discussion
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RJ Royal_jimmy 23 Oct 2024 · 2:07am
That was one nervy game to be at. Brilliant first half, shocking second half but showed such good toughness to hold on. Very encouraging signs for us but our consistency is still an issue though and something that'll be addressed in time and when we can bring players in. We're building a great core of a squad again. We need to keep Selles at the club, again made some good selections and subs. Good turn out from us but very quiet.
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EL elrey 23 Oct 2024 · 2:13am
Next 2 are winnable too. We've had a difficult start on paper, so you'd hope there's a real opportunity to push on. Winnable games are the ones we lose. Like Rotherham.
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SR Snowflake Royal 23 Oct 2024 · 8:26am
It was good to see ex-Academy Pierce Sweeney continuing to have a good career and be one of Exeter's best players.
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WB Winston Biscuit 23 Oct 2024 · 8:30am
does someone need to fire up a Promotion Watch thread?
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BL blythspartan 23 Oct 2024 · 8:48am
Well that was a game of 2 halves. I’d have loved a draw before the game started so 3 points is immense. A big shout out to Dean too. He calmed it down when he came on and deserves some credit.
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SU Sutekh 23 Oct 2024 · 8:52am
Equal 6th, (8th on GD) 7th :roll: 8th at the time of writing :roll: , Charlton conceded a last minute injury time equaliser at Barnsley and slumped out of the play off positions.
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TR traff 23 Oct 2024 · 9:01am
My heart has calmed down now. That was a painful last 30 mins. When was the last time we won a midweek away game without a side beginning with B? Stevenage. This "their nickname is Boro" excuse is nonsense. Exeter are "Bumpkins"
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RJ Royal_jimmy 23 Oct 2024 · 9:13am
Not getting carried away but that really was a massive win. I hate this league but just bloody love this team, they don't throw the towel in and are improving by the week. I hope Selles stays put unless a really decent championship or premier league side come calling as he's built a decent young core in the team.