Reading start 2025 with 3 Points
It was a nervy start for Reading, with optimism slightly dampened before kickoff due to a last-minute change in the lineup. Amadou Mbengue was withdrawn due to illness, and Harvey Dean stepped in to fill his boots. Although Dean is known for his reliability, such a late adjustment can sometimes disrupt a team’s rhythm and strategy. Fortunately, Reading showed no signs of unease as they secured a commanding 3-1 victory at the Abbey Stadium, with Harvey Knibbs bagging a brace and Sam Smith delivering a moment of magic to seal the deal.
Early Pressure from Cambridge
The game began at a frenetic pace, with Cambridge flying out of the blocks. Within the first 30 seconds, Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira was called into action, bravely diving at the feet of Cambridge forward Sam Smith to snuff out an early opportunity. The home side continued to push forward, with Smith trying his luck from distance shortly after, only for Pereira to make another solid save.
Reading struggled to establish themselves early on, with Cambridge’s pressing causing problems in midfield. However, the Royals gradually found their footing, creating their first chance when Mama Camara’s clever layoff set up Charlie Savage for a speculative effort. Savage’s shot soared over the bar, but it was a warning that Reading were beginning to grow into the game.
Shortly after, Lewis Wing came close with a low drive, only for Cambridge defender Michael Morrison to throw himself in front of the shot, keeping the scores level.
Reading Take the Lead
The match settled into a scrappy rhythm, with both sides battling fiercely for control in midfield. Cambridge remained dangerous, particularly through the lively Smith, who forced yet another save from Pereira with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box.
Despite Cambridge’s pressure, it was Reading who struck first, five minutes before half-time. A high turnover in possession won the Royals a corner, and although the initial delivery didn’t produce a clear chance, the ball was recycled brilliantly. A quick combination between Holzman and Wing saw the ball whipped back into the box, where Knibbs pounced to turn it home and give Reading a precious 1-0 lead.
Cambridge came agonisingly close to an equaliser almost immediately. A deflected effort from Stokes struck the post, and from the resulting corner, Reading launched a rapid counterattack. Chem Campbell carried the ball the length of the pitch before finding Smith, but the forward couldn’t sort his feet out in time to convert.
Cambridge Hit Back
The second half began in the worst possible fashion for Reading. Just two minutes after the restart, Cambridge drew level. A corner delivery found Kachunga unmarked at the back post, and he made no mistake in tapping into an empty net. The equaliser ignited the Abbey Stadium, with the home crowd roaring their team on.
Cambridge pressed for a second, but Reading soon regained control. Their response was clinical. Chem Campbell delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which wasn’t fully cleared by the Cambridge defence. The ball fell to Charlie Savage, whose shot deflected kindly into the path of Knibbs. The midfielder made no mistake, slotting home his second of the game to restore Reading’s lead.
Scrappy Battle Ensues
The match turned scrappy as both teams fought for every inch of the pitch. Reading suffered a setback when Camara went down injured, leaving the visitors temporarily a man short. Cambridge tried to capitalise, with Nlundulu nearly finding a way through after a miscued clearance from Garcia caused chaos in the Reading box. However, Knibbs was on hand to clear the danger.
With Camara unable to continue, Kanu was introduced from the bench and quickly adapted to the high-paced encounter. His defensive contribution was immediate, making a goal-saving block to deny Cambridge what looked like a certain equaliser.
Reading nearly put the game to bed from a set-piece. Knibbs found himself unmarked at the back post and headed the ball across goal, but Smith couldn’t quite reach it to apply the finishing touch.
Smith’s Moment of Magic
As Cambridge threw everything forward in the closing stages, Reading delivered the killer blow. With ten minutes to go, Lewis Wing launched a long ball forward, which Smith chased down. Running away from goal, Smith took the ball on the bounce and unleashed an outrageous lob that sailed over the helpless Cambridge keeper and into the net.
The goal was a thing of beauty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Reading players and fans. It was the perfect way to cap off a hard-fought performance and secure three vital points.
Closing Out the Game
The third goal seemed to knock the fight out of Cambridge, who struggled to mount a meaningful response in the final minutes. Reading, buoyed by their two-goal cushion, managed the game expertly, controlling possession and frustrating their opponents.
As the final whistle blew, the Royals celebrated a well-earned victory, their third on the bounce, to kick off 2025 in style. Harvey Knibbs was the standout performer, with his brace proving decisive, while Sam Smith’s stunning strike will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it.
Final Thoughts
This was a performance full of character from Reading. Despite the pre-match disruption and an early setback in the second half, they showed resilience and quality to come away with all three points. The team now has momentum heading into the new year, and with three wins on the trot, fans can start dreaming of what 2025 might hold.
Final Score: Cambridge United 1-3 Reading
Cambridge United: Stevens, Bennett, Andrew, Morrison, Brophy (Richards 85’), Nlundulu, Kuchunga (Loft 72’), Smith (Barton 78’), Okedina, Stokes, Cousins
Unused subs: Reyes, Watts, Iben Rossi, Nyoku
Goals: Kachunga (47’)
Yellow: Brophy (70’)
Reading: Pereira, Dean, Knibbs, Savage (Rushesha 87’), Smith (Wareham 87’), Campbell, Bindon, Camara (Kanu 59’), Wing, Garcia, Holzman (Abrefa (85’)
Unused subs: Button, Sackey, Osho
Goals: Knibbs (39’, 52’), Smith (83’)
Yellow: Holzman (80’), Wing (90+2′)
Come on URZ – Up The Ding!
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