Noel Hunt’s time as Reading permanent manager began with a solid draw against league leaders Wycombe, as Harvey Knibbs’ goal cancelled out Beryly Lubala’s opener.
I was there at Adams Park, cheering along with the loud and proud away fans. The Royals started the game attacking the far end from our packed away stand. Both teams came into this match in decent form, with Reading unbeaten in their last three away games.
The opening moments were a bit scrappy, as neither side could get into a proper rhythm. The windy conditions didn’t help, making things tricky for both teams. Our first big chance came 11 minutes in, when captain Lewis Wing intercepted the ball high up the pitch and went on a run towards the Wycombe goal. He tried his luck with a shot, but it deflected just wide.
From the corner that followed, Reading kept the pressure on. There were a few half-chances, but Wycombe’s defence held firm, blocking efforts from both Tyrese Campbell and Harvey Knibbs.
Despite our strong start, Wycombe got the first goal in the 18th minute. A low cross from the left found Lubala, who tucked it away past David Pereira. That gave the home crowd a lift, and Wycombe pushed for another goal. But our defence, especially Amadou Mbengue, stood strong and kept them at bay.
Then, on 29 minutes, we hit back. Mbengue launched a long ball forward, and Sam Smith raced onto it. His shot was saved by Wycombe keeper Max Stryjek, but Harvey Knibbs pounced on the rebound to level things up. The away end went wild!
After that, the game became a battle for control. Charlie Savage had a go from distance, but the keeper managed to hold onto it. The half ended with both teams level, though there was a bit of a scare in our box just before the whistle.
Half-Time: Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Reading
The second half began with Wycombe on the front foot. They came at us with a few quick attacks, including a long ball to Udoh, who rounded Pereira. Luckily, Tyler Bindon made an incredible block to stop what looked like a certain goal.
Reading’s first big chance of the second half came in the 64th minute. Knibbs flicked the ball on for Smith, who got to it before the keeper but went down in the box. The away fans shouted for a penalty, but the referee wasn’t having it and instead booked Smith for diving.
Wycombe kept pushing, but it was Reading who nearly grabbed the lead. Ben Elliott danced past a defender and fired a low shot, but the keeper tipped it around the post. Soon after, Elliott won a free kick just outside the box. Wing stepped up to take it, but his effort was straight at the keeper.
As the game went on, the weather made things even harder for both teams. Wycombe’s Garath McCleary, a former Royal, almost snatched it with a brilliant shot towards the top corner, but Pereira pulled off a great save to deny him.
With five minutes of added time, both sides searched for a winner, but neither could find one. When the final whistle blew, it felt like a fair result in tough conditions.
Final Score: Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Reading
It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it was a good point on the road against the league leaders. The away fans were brilliant as always, and I left Adams Park feeling proud of the team’s effort. It was an experience I will remember for some time to come.
The squads
Wycombe Wanderers: Ravizzoli, Grimmer (c), Harvie, Udoh (Kone 64′), Bakinson (Leahy 81′), Low, Humphreys, Morley, Lubala (McCleary 64′), Taylor, Onyedinma (Hanlan 88′)
Subs: George, Butcher, Pattenden
Goals: Lubala (18′)
Yellows: Onyedinma (45+2′), Bakinson (74′)
Reading: Pereira, Dorsett, Elliott, Craig, Knibbs, Savage (Camara 78′), Smith, Campbell, Bindon, Mbengue, Wing (c)
Subs: Button, Dean, Wareham, Camara, Garcia, Holzman, Ahmed
Goals: Knibbs (30′)
Yellow: Pereira (58′), Smith (65′)
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