Match Report: Reading 0-0 Exeter City

THE ROYALS DROP POINTS AGAINST THE GRECIANS

🙌 7,955 (448 away)
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Reading and Exeter City played out a goalless draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday night, in a game where both teams had chances but failed to find the net. Despite Reading dominating possession, Exeter City had moments where they came close to snatching all three points.

FIRST HALF

Charlie Savage kicked off the game with Reading unusually attacking the Eamonn Dolan Stand in the first half. The hosts made a lively start, creating their first chance within three minutes when Billy Bodin saw his shot blocked before Harvey Knibbs’ effort was deflected away for a corner. Lewis Wing then had a speculative shot from 30 yards after Andre Garcia was fouled, but his effort sailed over the bar.

On 15 minutes, Bodin nearly gave the Royals the lead with a cross-shot that forced Exeter’s goalkeeper Joe Whitworth into action. The resulting corner led to a goalmouth scramble, but Reading just couldn’t get the final touch needed to score.

In the 28th minute, Charlie Savage showed his vision with a fantastic cross-field pass that picked out Bodin inside the box. The forward struck a well-controlled volley, but an Exeter defender managed to deflect it behind for a corner—almost a goal-of-the-season contender!

Just before the break, Lewis Wing fired a dangerous cross into the box, finding Jayden Wareham in space, but Whitworth did brilliantly to get a touch and deny what looked like a certain goal. The referee blew for half-time after one minute of added time, with both sides having had their moments but neither able to find the breakthrough.

Half-time score: Reading 0-0 Exeter City

SECOND HALF

With both teams hunting for an opener, Reading attacked towards their home fans in Club 1871 in the second half. The first notable chance came in the 53rd minute when Savage took a free-kick from 20 yards, but his curling effort went over the bar.

Just before the hour mark, Reading made changes, bringing on Andy Yiadom and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan for Tivonge Rushesha and Billy Bodin. Yiadom’s return was particularly significant as he hadn’t featured since last April.

Exeter, who had been on the back foot, had their first real chance in the 62nd minute. A corner bounced awkwardly inside the box and landed at the feet of Ryan Trevitt, but his rushed shot went well wide. Trevitt had an even better opportunity moments later when he found himself unmarked six yards out, but he scuffed his shot and Reading were let off the hook.

With 20 minutes remaining, a bizarre passage of play almost saw Exeter snatch the lead. A cross from Caleb Watts deflected off Amadou Mbengue, looped over goalkeeper Joel Pereira, and struck the crossbar. The Grecians recycled the ball, and Tony Yogane tried to capitalise, but Andy Yiadom threw himself in the way to block the danger.

With 15 minutes left, Savage attempted a long-range shot, but it was easily gathered by Whitworth. Reading kept pushing, and in stoppage time, Wing unleashed a 30-yard drive that forced Whitworth into a crucial save, tipping the ball away for a corner. That was the last real action of the game, as the referee signalled full-time, leaving both teams to settle for a point.

Full-time score: Reading 0-0 Exeter City

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

POST-MATCH REACTIONS

Reading Manager’s Thoughts:

Reading’s manager remained optimistic despite the dropped points:

“Exeter are a strong side with plenty of options across the pitch. The lads gave their all, and I think that’s what the fans want to see. We’re getting better on the ball, moving it slicker, and keeping our transitional pressure. We’ll keep pushing for points in the final stretch of the season.”

Exeter City Manager Gary Caldwell:

Exeter boss Gary Caldwell felt his side should have won:

“We were excellent. We created numerous chances but just couldn’t score. We dominated the second half and showed great personality at a tough stadium. We’ll take the positives and build on this.”

MATCH STATISTICS

DEFENSIVE ACTIONS

MAN OF THE MATCH: JOEL PEREIRA (Reading)

Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira was the standout performer, making key saves and commanding his box well. He was closely followed by defender Tyler Bindon, who was solid at the back.

LINE-UPS

Reading: Pereira, Knibbs, Savage, Bodin (Ehibhatiomhan 57’), Rushesha (Yiadom 57’), Wareham, Bindon, Mbengue, Camara (Akande 78’), Wing (C), Garcia
Subs: Button, Abrefa, Carroll, Holzman

Exeter City: Whitworth, Purrington, Hartridge, Mitchell (Yogane 61’), Francis (Cole 89’), Aitchison (Colwill 61’), Watts (Jones 78’), Turns, Trevitt, MacDonald, Magennis (C) (Cox 78’)
Subs: Woods, Harper

Yellow Cards: Magennis (41’), Purrington (52’), Watts (53’), Aitchison (56’), MacDonald (90+7’)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite a dominant display in terms of possession and chances created, Reading were unable to break through Exeter’s resilient defence. The Grecians, meanwhile, will feel they could have stolen the win with some big missed opportunities. Both teams remain in contention for valuable points as the season heads into its crucial final stages.

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📅 Saturday, 22nd March – 🛫 Away: Shrewsbury Town 🆚 Reading FC

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