News and Views
Late Goal See Royals Drop Out Of Play-Offs
21 March 2026
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading suffered another play-off set back with 1-0 defeat away at Stevenage, that saw them drop to 8th and two places outside the play-off spots. Stevenage were the better side throughout and should have been well ahead before finally making the breakthrough with the winner with just five minutes left to play. The second half saw the Royals pinned back in their own half, and fail to register a shot on target in the second 45 minutes, in a hugely disappointing performance when the travelling fans were expecting so much more against a side competing with Reading for a play-off finish.
MATCH DETAILS AND FAN OPINION: Stevenage 1 Reading 0
Late Ehibhatiomhan Goal Puts Reading Top 6
17 March 2026
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Ehibhatiomhan came off the bench to get on the end of a cross to score the vital winner to put Reading into the League One play-off positions. A cross that hit a Burton player on the way in found it's way onto Ehibhatiomhan's head to make it 2-1 to the Royals with just two minutes left to play and secure the three points. Kamari Doyle had earlier equalised with an impressive strike to make it 1-1 at half time after Burton went ahead on 25 minutes.
MATCH DETAILS: Burton Albion 1 Reading 2
Play Offs Start To Slip Away
14 March 2026
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Roared on by a huge contingent of travelling fans, Argyle initially threatened to overwhelm Reading with route one tactics which entailed their team getting as many players (and the ball) forward as rapidly as possible. Reading to their credit were not fazed by the onslaught which saw Pepple receive in a yellow card the first minute. In fact, they delivered the perfect response by taking an early lead. Rendell Williams latched on to a ball on the break, and using his pace and strength, worked himself a position on the right to deliver a cross which caught out Argyle 'keeper Ashby-Hammond drifting over his head inside the far post. The goal certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the travelling fans who remained in good voice and a mere three minutes later reached a crescendo when centre back Mitchell timed his run across the box to meet Curtis's corner to tuck away the equaliser. Reading's defence collectively was slow to react and paid a heavy price being second to the ball. Reading certainly hadn't weathered the early storm but gradually played their way calmly into the game.
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Match Report: Reading 2 Plymouth Argyle 2
Reading Snatch Late And Unlikely Victory
28 February 2026
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Energised by late substitutions Reading snatched a dramatic and unlikely victory after going into stoppage time a goal down to top six opponents Bradford City. After dropping points to stoppage time goals in their previous two games, and losing leading scorer Jack Marriott to injury, Reading seemed destined to slide further down the table and out of contention for a top six finish with a disappointing display.
As in previous games recently, Reading struggled to play their way out from the back against high pressing opponents. There were rare flashes of creativity from Doyle, and the back four coped well with City's attempts to create scoring opportunities. Reading's attacking threat was significantly diminished by the absence of the prolific Marriott. Ehibhatiomhan was willing and eager to fill the role, but he simply does not look cut out to lead the attack as the main striker. He failed to hit the target when given his first clear sight of goal, seeming to delay getting his shot away, and curling the ball wide from the edge of the box. He was not alone in his reluctance to shoot, there was general lack of conviction and energy going forward throughout the team.
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Match Report: Reading 2 Bradford City 1