What an exhilarating evening at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as the Royals secured their second consecutive home victory, triumphing 3-1 over Burton Albion! Chem Campbell stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace, while Sam Smith added another to send the home fans into raptures.
The match kicked off under the bright floodlights, and the Royals were keen to make an impact from the start. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan was first to test Burton’s goalkeeper, Max Crocombe, with a shot from the edge of the area that didn’t quite have the power to trouble him. The opening ten minutes were electrifying, with both teams battling fiercely for control, but neither could find a way through.
In the 15th minute, Reading had a great chance after earning their first corner. Lewis Wing delivered a wicked cross that found Sam Smith, but Crocombe was alert and managed to smother the attempt. The Royals’ persistence paid off when, just past the halfway mark of the first half, Chem Campbell scored his first goal for the club! Following a fantastic build-up play initiated by Garcia, Ehibhatiomhan charged into the box and delivered a low ball that Campbell expertly slotted home despite Crocombe’s best efforts.
Reading was nearly in again shortly after, with Wing firing a powerful shot from 25 yards that whizzed just wide of the post. But just before the break, Campbell struck again! He showcased his determination by stealing the ball from Burton defender Sweeney, before coolly finishing into the bottom left corner. The Royals were in full control as they headed into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Half-time: Reading 2-0 Burton Albion
The second half began with Burton pressing harder to find a way back into the game. Reading’s defense stood strong against a series of threatening crosses, while Andre Garcia attempted to spark a counterattack, though he couldn’t find that vital pass.
In the 57th minute, Sam Smith had a golden opportunity to extend the lead, but his shot was thwarted after some dazzling footwork by Lewis Wing in the midfield. The best chance for Burton came shortly after, but Romelle Donovan wasted a free header from just six yards out.
As the match approached its final quarter, manager Rubén Sellés made two changes, bringing on Charlie Savage and Kelvin Abrefa to keep the team fresh. Just when it looked like the game was settling into a comfortable finish, the action ramped up in the last ten minutes.
In the 82nd minute, Sam Smith rose highest to head in from a corner taken by Wing, putting Reading ahead 3-0! But the visitors quickly responded, with Danilo Orsi pulling one back immediately from the restart, poking the ball home to make it 3-1. The goal sparked Burton into life, and suddenly the Royals were under pressure to maintain their lead.
However, Reading’s defense held firm, fending off Burton’s advances to secure all three points on a chilly October night. The final whistle blew, and the home fans erupted with joy!
Full-time: Reading 3-1 Burton Albion
The Royals celebrated a fantastic 3-1 victory over Burton Albion, thanks to a standout performance from Chem Campbell, who scored twice, and a header from Sam Smith. With this back-to-back win at home, Reading is regaining momentum and confidence as they look forward to their next challenges!
Team line-ups
Reading: Button, Elliott, Craig (Abrefa 65′), Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan (Savage 65′), Smith, Campbell (Akande 90+1′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing ©, Garcia (Dean 86′)
Subs: Boyce-Clarke, Rushesha
Goals: Campbell (23′ & 42′), Smith (82′)
Yellow: Ehibhatiomhan (50′), Savage (85′)
Burton Albion: Crocombe, Watt ©, Sweeney, Kalinauskas, Akoto, Cooper-Love (Godwin-Malife 72′), Williams, Bannon, Chauke (Gilligan 57′), Whitfield, Donovan (Orsi 71′)
Subs: Isted, Armer, Sraha, Larsson
Goals: Orsi (84′)
Yellow: Williams (41′), Watt (81′)
