Reading FC Match Report: 2024/2025 Season - League One
READING 2 WIGAN 0
Reading: C Savage (7), K Ehibhatiomhan (57)
Wigan: --
Reading took an early lead with a goal of real quality in a dominant opening spell which had
the Wigan defence in complete disarray. On seven minutes Mbengue curled a teasing cross
to the far post which Ehibhatiomhan controlled with superb first touch and picked out Savage
who had held his run perfectly to drift into space in front of goal and calmy stroke the ball into
bottom corner. Royals were rampant only prevented from racing into an early unassailable
lead by some desperate defending, good goalkeeping and wayward finishing.
Ehibhatiomhan cut inside on the left and rifled a blistering strike which Tickle managed to
beat away for a throw-in on the far side of the pitch. In the space of a minute following a
corner Bindon's header was saved by Tickle, Dorsett's shot was blocked and attempts from
Wing and Savage flew wide of the target.
Wigan somehow managed to survive the onslaught and settled down, and no doubt to the
relief of their back four, began to enjoy spells of possession although they rarely troubled
Pereira in the Reading goal. The main threat came from a degree of sloppiness in Reading's
passing and poor decision-making in their own half.
Ehibhatiomhan, tormenting the right side of the Wigan defence, whipped in a perfect cross
for Smith arriving at the far post. Disappointingly the Reading striker who, in spite of getting
in behind the defender at the back post, volleyed over when it seemed easier to score. Given
the unenviable responsibility of marking Ehibhatiomhan, Kerr finally resorted to a clumsy
challenge which earned him in a yellow card.
Taking a slender lead into the second half initially offered Wigan hope of a comeback until
the outstanding Elliot slid a ball through the middle of the Wigan defence presenting Smith
with a golden opportunity to extend the lead. With only the 'keeper to beat, Smith couldn't
sort his feet out made and made a complete hash of the chance. Fortunately, the ball
dropped kindly for Ehibhatiomhan to side-foot the ball into the open goal to put Reading two
up. Nobody deserved a goal more than him.
Wigan stuck to their task, but eventually their resistance faded and with both teams making
numerous substitutions, the play became ragged, and Reading comfortably retained control
of the game. Azeez coming back from injury, replaced Ehibhatiomhan for the last thirty
minutes, taking the opportunity for some shooting practice. He looked sharp and lively but
didn't find the finish he desired.
It was a solid all-round performance from Reading, which although lacking in the quality of
finishing, must have impressed prospective new owner Rob Couhig watching from the West
Stand. A change of owner is long overdue and will certainly fuel the growing optimism at the
club. Again, it has to be said, the manager and his young squad are to be commended on
their positive attitude and loyalty through what has been an uncertain and very difficult
period.
John Wells
This League One game took place 127 days ago in the 2024/2025 season.