Reading swept aside the challenge of a struggling United side in a fifteen minute spell after the interval with three superbly taken goals. After dominating possession and creating chances without finding the required finish in the first half, four minutes into the second, Lewis Wing pounced on a loose ball just outside the box and drilled it low into the bottom corner to set Reading on their way. Ten minutes later Elliot bursting forward, slipped a well- timed pass to Camara, who with remarkable composure, made space for a strike before hammering the ball past United 'keeper Reyes from close range.

United were well and truly on the back foot now, and the three minutes later Elliot was involved again, rolling an inviting short pass to Wing outside the box, who put the result beyond doubt with another outstanding and unstoppable curling strike past Reyes. As far as United were concerned it was game over and they simply sat back appearing to tamely settle for damage limitation.

The first minute of the match gave no indication of what was to follow. United started brightly with Cousins, Brophy and Smith all having a clear sight of goal within seconds. The first two attempts were blocked and the third sailed high and wide. From that point on, Reading dominated midfield. Elliot, Savage and Wing saw a lot of the ball creating several chances, but the finishing or final ball into the box was lacking in quality. It was good to see Mbengue back in the side, and defensively he had a solid game, although he kept his team on their toes by giving the ball away on at least five occasions!

Elliot played had a very good game overall but ran into trouble and lost possession on more than one occasion in the first half. Wing's passing was over-ambitious at times and his shooting wayward. Smith was full of running and twice found himself in scoring positions, firstly inside the box from a tight angle, and then later clean through with only Reyes to beat. On both occasions Reyes had to make a save but Smith made his job easier with strikes at nice height for the goalkeeper.

Campbell continues to grow in confidence, helped by scoring two goals at the weekend, and with a sharp turn and near post cross, created a chance to open the scoring. Unfortunately, Dorsett's header grazed the outside of post. He also tested Reyes with curling effort from the outside the box. Worth noting also he hit the cross in with his right foot and the shot with his left.

Knibbs was rested, coming on as substitute when the game was won and flitted about in midfield with some nice touches. Talking of nice touches, he received generous applause after the final whistle from the travelling United fans out of respect for his contribution in his time as a United player. United fans, having made a long midweek trip on a chilly evening, deserved better from their team and manager. Their work rate dropped allowing Reading an extremely comfortable final thirty minutes.

On current form Reading occupy a play-off spot amongst a pack of teams chasing Wycombe and Wrexham both looking strong contenders for automatic promotion.

John Wells