Match Report: Reading F.C. 2-0 Wrexham

Reading FC 2-0 Wrexham: Royals Sink The Red Dragons Under The Lights

Tuesday 11th March – 20:00 | SCL Stadium, Reading

With the Disney TV cameras out in force outside and inside the stadium for their show “Welcome to Wrexham” TV programme, it looked to be an interesting evening. It was that Reading put on a stunning second-half display to claim a crucial 2-0 victory in League One, denying the Red Dragons a chance to climb up the table. Goals from Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing sealed a deserved win in front of an electric home crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Match Summary

Reading took control of the match in the second half after a competitive opening 45 minutes. A penalty converted by Knibbs and a thunderous strike from Wing secured all three points. Wrexham struggled to create meaningful chances despite a few late efforts, and their frustration was evident as manager Phil Parkinson directed blame at the referee for a controversial penalty decision.

First Half: A Tight Battle With Limited Chances

The match kicked off with both sets of supporters in full voice, creating a buzzing atmosphere. Reading looked to impose themselves early, with Charlie Savage delivering a dangerous free kick in the 5th minute that was cleared away.

The first real chance fell to Reading’s Jayden Wareham in the 10th minute, who attempted a spectacular volley from 30 yards, narrowly missing the target.

Wrexham’s first shot came in the 25th minute when former Reading striker Sam Smith struck a fierce volley, only to see it brilliantly blocked by Tyler Bindon. The Kiwi defender was outstanding throughout, winning his duels against Smith.

Just before halftime, the best chance of the opening period came for Wrexham’s Ryan Barnett. A cross from James McClean found him at the back post, but Michael Stickland’s last-ditch defending sent the shot over the bar.

Halftime arrived with neither goalkeeper seriously tested, setting the stage for an explosive second half.

Halftime: Reading 0-0 Wrexham

Second Half: Royals Take Control

The second half started with both teams testing their luck from distance. Savage fired wide for Reading, while Tom O’Connor’s effort was comfortably saved by Joel Pereira.

Knibbs Opens The Scoring From The Spot

In the 49th minute, Reading were awarded a penalty after Wareham was fouled inside the box. Harvey Knibbs stepped up under immense pressure and calmly slotted the ball past Arthur Okonkwo to give the Royals a deserved lead.

📊 Penalty Awarded Controversy

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson claimed it was “one of the softest penalty decisions I’ve seen in a long time,” arguing that it changed the course of the game.

Lewis Wing Doubles The Lead

Just five minutes later, Reading doubled their advantage. A slick passing move found Knibbs, who laid the ball off to Lewis Wing on the edge of the box. The skipper unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom right corner, leaving Okonkwo with no chance.

Stat: Wing had a total of three shots in the match and was instrumental in controlling the midfield.

Defensive Resilience Despite Red Card

Reading’s task became harder in the 75th minute when Michael Stickland was controversially sent off for time-wasting. Despite being down to 10 men, the Royals defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Pereira making a vital save from a Wrexham effort.

Wareham almost added a third in the 80th minute, but his close-range header was instinctively saved by Okonkwo.

Despite seven minutes of added time, Reading held firm to claim a massive three points.

Full-time: Reading 2-0 Wrexham

Match Highlights

Manager Reactions

Noel Hunt (Reading FC Manager)

“One of our best performances of the season. The boys showed character and personality. The red card? Ridiculous decision, but we dealt with it brilliantly.”

Phil Parkinson (Wrexham Manager)

“We were flat in the first half, and the game turned on a soft penalty decision. We had chances, but the referee’s decision changed everything.”

Player Ratings (Top Performers)

Knibbs earned Man of the Match, scoring the opening goal and assisting the second. Wing also shone with a commanding midfield display and a stunning goal.

Match Statistics Comparison

📊 Possession & Passing Accuracy

Reading dominated possession and had a better passing accuracy, controlling the midfield battle.

📊 Attacking Stats

Although Wrexham had more shots, Reading’s finishing was more clinical.

📊 Defensive & Goalkeeping Stats

Reading’s defence stood firm, especially after going down to 10 men, with Pereira making some crucial saves.

Line-ups

Reading: Pereira, Abrefa, Stickland, Bindon, Garcia, Wing, Knibbs, Savage, Campbell (Camara 90+1), Wareham (Yiadom 84), Ehibhatiomhan (Dean 78)

Subs not used: Dutton, Carroll, Rushesha, Akande

Wrexham: Okonkwo, Cleworth, O’Connell (Faal 83), O’Connor, Barnett, Rathbone (Evans 83), M.James, McClean (Longman 71), Revan (Lee 59), Smith, Rodriguez (Fletcher 71)

Subs not used: Howard, Scarr

Referee: Ed Duckworth

Attendance: 11,557 (736 away)

Bookings

Reading: Stickland (48, foul), Pereira (68, time wasting), Savage (90+6, foul)

Sent Off:

Reading: Stickland (75, second bookable offence – time wasting)

Looking Ahead

This win extends Reading’s unbeaten run to nine matches and moves them within touching distance of the playoff spots.

🔜 Upcoming Fixtures:

• Reading: Next up, we face Stevenage at home at the SCL. Stevenage are sitting at 12th spot, 10 points behind Reading. A win could see them sneak back into the playoff places to 6th place,

This was a statement win for the Royals, proving they have what it takes to push for promotion. With momentum on their side, the belief is growing amongst the Reading faithful that this could be a special season.

Come on you Royals! 🔵⚪