Reading FC View from the Stands: Royals squeeze past Bolton.

Reading won the game 3-2 thanks to a significantly improved performance from Noel Hunt’s team. A strong defensive performance and a fantastic confidence boost ahead of a run of season-defining games for the Royals. Sam Smith’s presence up front was definitely missed, but youngster Jayden Wareham stepped up and demonstrated his strong work ethic and willingness to cause issues for the Bolton back line when under pressure. Neither team worried either custodian in the first half, with Luke Southwood, a former Royal, going untested. Both teams were limited to half chances and long shots, with a tame Chem Campbell effort probably the best sight at goal Reading had before half time.

Both teams were organised out of possession, and Reading’s lack of attacking alternatives was obvious, with little to no quality in the final third. However, coming into halftime at 0-0 was not a bad start given recent first-half performances, leaving us with too much to do at Burton on Tuesday.

Reading came out after half time with a golden chance to go one up in the 50th minute after a great press from Jayden Wareham and the Reading front line, however Wanderers midfielder George Thomason managed to clear off the line before the ball trickled into the net.

The game was right in the balance throughout the whole second half, with inform attacker Aaron Collins having the best openings throughout the second half but he failed to take his chances. Josh Sheehan also thundered an angled 20 yard free kick that struck the crossbar.

However, it was Reading who took the lead and ultimately the three points after debutant Kion Etete was adjudged to have handled a Lewis Wing free kick in the penalty area. Knibbs slotted the spot-kick into the bottom left corner and sent Southwood the wrong way for his 11th goal of the campaign.

Reading managed the game excellently after taking the lead, bringing on young defender Louie Holzman to safen things up at the back and secured a big three points against a play-off-hopeful side in Bolton, who had won their last two games.

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