A spectacular Tyler Bindon overhead kick produced the goal which proved to be the winner in a keenly contested match from start to finish. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and crowned yet another excellent performance from Reading's young centre back. Both sides came into the game on the back of a convincing Boxing Day victory knowing a win for Town would displace Reading in the top six. In a physical game dominated by Mansfield, Reading stood up to the challenge and secured their second win in four days courtesy of two superbly taken goals.

Reading took an early lead created by a good early ball from Wing inside his own half to release Camara on the break. From where I was sitting there was a suspicion of offside but, Camara's pace, and timing of the run, made it difficult to call without the use of VAR, to be sure. Thankfully, on this occasion, we were not denied the sight of a superbly taken goal. Camara's electric pace left the Mansfield defence struggling to catch him, and the timing and accuracy of his strike as Pym came off his line, was perfect.

Reading struggled to get out of their own half as Mansfield continued to dominate possession with a robust pressing game. Reading contributed to their own difficulties by squandering possession needlessly. Mbengue had an outstanding game overall but was particularly guilty in the first half of giving the ball away. Smith similarly was making poor decisions on the ball, notably failing to spot an excellent run by Campbell on the right choosing instead to run with the ball and lose possession. That said, Smith gave the Town centre backs an uncomfortable afternoon and, as he often does, got a raw deal from the referee for his trouble. The work rate of Savage and Knibbs was exceptional. Knibbs was particularly sharp, winning the ball and breaking up Mansfield attacking play on numerous occasions. Savage covered a lot of ground on the left as Town switched the play.

Half time approached and Reading looked as if they would go in at the break with a slender lead. That lead was wiped out on the stroke of half time. Baccus had been allowed to control long balls unhindered on a couple of occasions, and finally it led to Reading's undoing. He was allowed time and space to receive a long ball and slipped a short pass to Hewitt who was also allowed time and space to look up and deliver a good cross. Mbengue dropped off Evans as the cross arrived leaving the Town striker with ample time and space to adjust his feet and thump his header past Pereira for a deserved equaliser.

At half time Reading fans were probably feeling a little uneasy about the outcome. The Stags had dominated possession and come back from a goal down. They need not have been concerned. Just as they had on Boxing Day the whole Reading team raised their game. Working hard defensively, and a little sharper in possession, they got the beak they needed. Pushing forward down the left, Kanu won a free kick just inside the Mansfield half. Wing floated in a ball which rebounded off the far post. Campbell's header was blocked and the ball dropped to Bindon with his back to goal a couple of yards out. With typical composure and awareness he buried the ball in the back of the net with a spectacular overhead kick. In the face of the Mansfield onslaught, reading were looking far more assured and always looked dangerous on the counter attack. Savage was just wide with a good strike form outside the box. For the third time in four matches Reading were denied a clear penalty when Knibbs was bundled over in the box as he latched onto a delightful ball beyond the Mansfield defence and the referee waved appeals aside.

Mansfield predictably became more desperate, pressing forward leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Craig, Knibbs and Campbell again combining well on the right. Garcia replaced a tired looking Kanu at left back but then on the break suddenly popped up on the right and flashed past two Mansfield defenders before being bought down McLaughlin. Wareham came on for the final ten minutes and put himself about, picking up a yellow card and making some rash decisions in possession, but there was no doubting his commitment to the cause.

It was a thoroughly entertaining match with a nail-biting finish for the home fans and crucially another win sending Reading into the New Year in the top six. Now that hasn't happened for a while!

John Wells