A chilly afternoon in Reading saw the Royals suffer a tough 3-1 defeat to Stockport County, with both teams chasing a Play-Off spot. Despite having more of the ball, Reading couldn’t convert their possession into a win, while Stockport were clinical in front of goal.
First Half
Stockport got off to a flying start, scoring in just the fifth minute. Macaulay Southam-Hales headed in from a corner, catching the Reading defence off guard. The early goal shook the Royals, but they nearly equalised soon after when Tyler Bindon met a Lewis Wing free kick, only to see his effort drift wide.
Stockport doubled their lead in the 13th minute through Callum Connolly, who nodded in from close range. Reading were lucky not to fall further behind moments later when Isaac Olaofe lobbed the goalkeeper, but Bindon cleared off the line to keep the score at 2-0.
Reading had their chances, pushing forward with intent, but Stockport’s defence stayed solid. The first half ended with both teams picking up yellow cards after a scuffle, and Reading trailing by two goals.
Half-Time Score: Reading 0-2 Stockport County
Second Half
Reading made changes at the break, with Jeriel Dorsett coming on to strengthen the backline. Despite the tactical tweak, it was Stockport who threatened first, with Ollie Norwood firing a long-range shot just over the bar.
The Royals finally found some hope just after the hour mark. Sam Smith pulled one back with a sharp volley into the bottom corner after a clever free kick from Lewis Wing. The home crowd roared with belief, but their hopes were dashed minutes later when Stockport substitute Jack Diamond scored. He found far too much space in the Reading box and slotted home to restore Stockport’s two-goal lead.
Reading pushed hard in the final stages, with Chem Campbell going close after great work from Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan on the wing. Campbell’s shot, however, rolled agonisingly wide.
Stockport defended resolutely as Reading tried to mount a comeback. Despite six minutes of added time, the Royals couldn’t find a way past the visitors’ defence.
Full-Time Score: Reading 1-3 Stockport County
Attendance: 11,019
Match Stats
| Category | Reading | Stockport |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Shots | 8 | 17 |
| Shots Saved | 7 | 0 |
| Fouls | 5 | 16 |
| Corners | 1 | 2 |
League Table
The loss sees Reading stay in seventh place with 41 points, now trailing Stockport, who leap to sixth on goal difference. With 15 games left, Reading must improve their finishing if they’re to secure a Play-Off spot.
Final Thoughts
It was a frustrating afternoon for Reading fans. The team worked hard and controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge to break down a disciplined Stockport side. The Royals need to regroup quickly and focus on turning chances into goals in their next fixture.
The Squads
Reading: Pereira, Dean, Knibbs, Savage, Smith, Rushesha (Craig 60′), Campbell (Abrefa 77′), Bindon, Wing ©, Garcia (Ehibhatiomhan 60′), Kanu (Dorsett 46′)
Subs: Button, Wareham, Sackey
Goals: Smith (61′)
Yellows: Garcia (45+1′), Savage (51′), Smith (88′)
Stockport County: Hinchliffe, Knoyle, Touray, Camps, Olaofe (Diamond 48′), Southam-Hales, Collar (Fiorini 73′), Pye, Connolly, Wootton ©, Norwood
Subs: Addai, Mingi, Andresson, Rydel, Gardner
Goals: Southam Hales (5′), Connolly (13′), Diamond (68′)
Yellow: Pye (45+1′)
