Reading continued their recent unbeaten run over the festive period to four games with a comfortable home win courtesy of goals from the prolific Jack Marriott and a second in two games from Danny Kyerewaa. The atmosphere inside the stadium was unusually subdued from the kick-off reflecting the lack of energy and or sense of urgency on the pitch from both sides. Perhaps the intensity of the holiday period schedule (six games in December) had taken its toll on the players and New Years' Eve celebrations on the fans.

Reading were first to shake off the lethargy, coming close to opening the scoring when Wing delivered a defence-splitting pass finding Yiadom in space out wide and behind the Albion defence. Marriott slightly mis-timed his arrival at the far post for a tap-in and the ball ran on to Kyerewaa following up, who ballooned the ball over the bar. However, yet another excellent finish from Marriott gave Reading an eighteenth minute lead. Ritche, probably one of the fresher players due a long recent absence from the starting eleven, had shown a greater eagerness to get on the ball, delivered a good early ball into the box and Marriott's deft glancing header was perfectly placed inside the far post.

The goal raised the tempo of the game and Albion pushed forward but without really threatening to score, and Reading always looked likely to increase their lead on the break. Marriott had a shot well saved by Collins. Their second goal came before the interval following an excellent and determined run from Doyle down the left which took him past the Abion defence and into the box. His cross fell nicely for Kyerewaa who finished with a composed strike from close range.

Albion's best attempt of the first half on goal was a consequence of Reading conceding possession on the edge of their own box with some worryingly sloppy play. Beesley took advantage of the situation, but fortunately for Reading his shot struck the outside of the upright.

Burton clearly needed to raise their game in the second half, but Reading took the initiative, raising their pressing game. Leading by example, Kyerewaa used his remarkable pace to close down Burton players in their own half. Reading began to string passes together and dominate the game with a confidence that comes from picking up points in recent games. Burton looked toothless in attack and Reading saw the game out for a comfortable home win, increasing their tally to seven points out of the nine available over Christmas. A tougher test lies ahead on Sunday at home to fourth placed Stockport.

John Wells