Point Gained, or Two Lost against Shrewsbury Town?
Reading and Shrewsbury played out a 1-1 draw on a chilly night at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
First Half
The game started with both teams being cautious in possession. Shrewsbury had the first real chance in the seventh minute when Reading struggled to clear a long throw, and Dominic Gape’s volley flew over the bar.
On 16 minutes, Shrewsbury had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Harrison Biggins was fouled in the box. John Marquis stepped up, but his shot was saved by Joel Pereira, who made an incredible second stop to deny the rebound.
The save gave Reading a boost, and Andre Garcia became more involved, making attacking runs down the left. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan showed great determination to get on the end of a cross before setting up Jayden Wareham for a cool finish.
Reading nearly doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Lewis Wing unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards, but it just cleared the crossbar. Shrewsbury had a similar attempt four minutes later, with Harrison Biggins curling an effort over the bar.
The first half ended with Reading leading 1-0.
Second Half
The Royals aimed to hold onto their lead, but Shrewsbury equalised in the 56th minute. Taylor Perry found space in the box and drilled a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Reading almost hit back immediately as Chem Campbell forced a save from Blackman, and Wareham nearly turned in the rebound, but the defence scrambled the ball away.
Manager Noel Hunt made changes midway through the half, bringing on Mamadi Camara, Billy Bodin, and Kelvin Abrefa. However, neither side created many clear-cut chances in the final stages.
Reading had a strong penalty shout in the 86th minute when Ehibhatiomhan appeared to be fouled by Blackman, but the referee waved play on.
Four minutes of added time passed without major incident, and both teams settled for a draw.
Final Score
Reading 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
Post-Match Reactions
Jayden Wareham (Reading Goalscorer)
“As a team, we’re disappointed not to take all three points. We knew they’d come with a game plan to disrupt us, and they did well. I love the physical side of the game, and it was great to get my first home league goal here. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.”
Noel Hunt (Reading Manager)
“The boys gave everything, but we weren’t as brave as we wanted to be in possession. Joel’s penalty save was massive, and he’s been a leader all season. Jayden worked hard and deserved his goal. It wasn’t our best game, but we’ll take the point and move forward.”
Match Stats
- Possession: Reading 58% – 42% Shrewsbury
- Total Shots: Reading 13 – 8 Shrewsbury
- Shots on Target: Reading 4 – 2 Shrewsbury
- Big Chances: Reading 4 – 1 Shrewsbury
- Accurate Passes: Reading 265 (73%) – 147 (56%) Shrewsbury
- Fouls Committed: Reading 8 – 11 Shrewsbury
- Corners: Reading 7 – 1 Shrewsbury
Man of the Match
Joel Pereira – His crucial penalty save kept Reading in the game and showcased his leadership at the back.
The Teams
Reading: Pereira, Craig, Knibbs, Savage, Ehibhatiomhan (Kanu 87′), Wareham (Bodin 66′), Campbell (Camara 66′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing ©, Garcia (Abrefa 66′)
Subs: Button, Rushesha, Holzman
Goals: Wareham (28′)
Yellows: Campbell (16′)
Shrewsbury Town: Blackman, Hoole, Benning, Feeney, Feeney, Biggins (Gilliead 67′), Lloyd (Oliver 46′), Perry (Shipley 73′), Gape, Nurse (Nsiala 67′), Marquis © (Stewart 84′)
Subs: Savin, Dinanga
Goals: Perry (56′)
Yellow: Perry (51′)
