A second-half Lewis Wing brace and a Mamadi Camara goal were enough for the Royals to win three points against Cambridge United and move into the top six of League One.
The visitors kicked off the match on a brutally chilly evening in Berkshire, with both teams looking for three League One points after cup games the previous weekend.
The U’s got the opening chance of the game in the first minute, with Korey Smith hitting far over on the volley from 12 yards out, giving the Royals an early letdown.
Jordan Cousins fired a strong volley at goal three minutes later, but Amadou Mbengue deflected it away for a corner. The set piece came to nothing, but it had been a strong opening five minutes for the visitors, who had enjoyed much of the possession and territory.
Mamadi Camara received the game’s first card in the ninth minute for a late challenge on Elias Kachunga in midfield. The Royals’ first chance of the game came in the 12th minute, when Ben Elliott fired a low shot that was too close to Vicente Reyes in the United goal.
Shortly after, former Cambridge player Sam Smith forced Reyes into a more difficult stop with a stinging right-footed effort from a narrow angle, but the keeper was able to stand tall and divert it away.
Jeriel Dorsett’s headed effort from close range struck the outside of the post, capping off a trio of chances in 90 seconds. Chem Campbell on the right has smart footwork hand wing saw the loanee fire in a cross in the direction of the full back, but his effort went agonisingly wide.
On 17 minutes, Campbell nearly scored himself, cutting inside from the right and firing a left-footed shot at Reyes’ goal. The effort appeared to be heading for the top corner, but the keeper was able to settle his feet and claw the ball into his arms on the second try; after a poor start, the Royals were in command.
Charlie Savage was the next to attempt a goal following Smith’s excellent forward play. The forward was able to control a long ball forward and pass to the Welshman, whose left-footed half-volley went over the crossbar.
Just after the half-hour mark, Smith had an opportunity to put Rubén’s Royals ahead. A precision ball from Elliott saw the forward expertly beat the offside trap, but his left footed curled effort was palmed away by Reyes.
Lewis Wing unleashed a drive from Lewis Wing territory in the 35th minute that was strikingly similar to one of the midfielder’s usual long-range efforts that frequently send Royals fans into raptures. On this occasion, he did not score, but there was a tense moment for Reyes, who saw the ball crawl over his body before snatching it on the second attempt.
As the first period came to a conclusion, Cambridge came close to scoring the first goal of the game. A Liam Bennett cross from the right side found Dan Nlundulu’s head in the area; his shot appeared to be heading for the goal, but it was deflected narrowly wide by Amadou Mbengue.
Two minutes of extra time were played out little incident, both teams going into the break without troubling the score keepers.
Half-time: Reading 0-0 Cambridge United
The two sides resumed play in the second quarter, and with less than three minutes remaining, the Royals led thanks to Lewis Wing. The skipper pounced on a loose ball that the United couldn’t clear and fired a low effort into the bottom right corner of Reyes’ goal, giving Reading the advantage!
The visitors sought an early response, with Liam Bennett cutting inside from his right back position to fire a left-footed shot goalwards. Joel Pereira was called into action for the first time in the game, and he used his strong hands to deflect the ball to his right side.
Harvey Knibbs, a former Cambridge player, was introduced to the squad ten minutes into the half, replacing Charlie Savage. Rubén Sellés’ team extended their advantage on the hour mark with Mamadi Camara.
A great and determined move from Ben Elliott allowed our number four to feed Camara, who sold the defender and shot into the top corner.
Just three minutes later, Lewis Wing scored his second goal of the game, making things even better for the Royals. If his first strike was nice, this one was outstanding! The skipper was 30 yards out and blasted a magnificent right-footed curling effort into the top right corner, vintage Wingy!.
The Royals would successfully pacify the game with a lead to hold onto for the next twenty minutes, with the home crowd plainly enjoying themselves with a series of ‘oles’ while their team was in possession.
With two minutes remaining, Camara and Campbell were replaced by Jayden Wareham and Emmanuel Osho, who made his league debut. Five minutes were signalled, and they passed much like the preceding thirty.
The Royals delivered a terrific professional effort to maintain their outstanding home form so far this season. Next up is a trip to table-topping Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday.
Full-time score: Reading 3-0 Cambridge United.
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