Reading took full advantage of an opportunity against struggling Northampton, to restore some of the confidence lost after a winless run of four games, and the departure of their manager. A deft touch from Knibbs gave Reading an early lead, and Smith doubled that lead before the interval, latching on to a gem of a pass by Wing from inside his own half, before sliding the ball past Town 'keeper Tzanev. Emphatic and impressive second half strikes from Savage and Camara sealed a comfortable four-one win. At three-nil, Eaves scored a consolation goal for the Cobblers when the referee failed to notice he had blatantly controlled the ball with his hand before tucking it away, leaving Pereira and Reading defenders appealing in vain for a fee-kick.

The welcome return of Mbengue gave the Reading team, and the home fans, a lift with a typically exuberant performance on his return from injury. The opening goal came in the fourth minute when Town failed to deal with a free-kick into the box. Reading won the ball in the air, four times in succession, before Smith's header dropped to Knibbs who planted the ball inside the far post with a perfectly placed cushioned volley from an acute angle. From a cross whipped in by Wing, Smith came close to increasing the lead after twenty-six minutes with a diving header which flew just wide,. Smith made no mistake a minute later when Wing sent him clear of the Town back line with a defence-splitting pass. As Tzanev advanced he steered the ball past him with his left foot.

Craig, Wing, Smith and Campbell stood out for their energy and their positive impact throughout, although Reading were not at their best in the first half, despite taking a two-goal lead. Passes went astray and headers were poorly timed. There a was an absence of movement and cohesion, and a general lack of commitment, about their play. Town were poor in most departments in what was a generally scrappy first forty-five minutes. The second half was a different story as The Royals suddenly clicked into gear. Town struggled to gain possession, spending most of the half chasing shadows, as Reading looked more assured on the ball and began to string passes together. Attacking down the right, Knibbs, Craig and Campbell combined superbly with some magnificent passing and movement.

The third goal Reading's play deserved eventually came with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Camara, having switched wings with Campbell, rolled a pass inside to Savage who took a good touch before curling the ball inside the post giving Tzanev no chance. The icing on the cake came just before the final whistle with a moment of quality and class from substitute Garcia. Camara received his pass, and in spite a poor first touch lashed the ball inside the post with awesome power and accuracy.

There are so many unpredictable factors liable to have an impact on Reading Football Club this season, it is pointless to speculate on how it will end. Reading won again today and are back in the top six and it was good to see the team playing the type of football again which lifted them into the pack chasing promotion.

John Wells