Match Report: Reading FC 2–1 Mansfield Town

Select Car Leasing Stadium, December 29, 2024

Reading FC rounded off 2024 with a gritty 2–1 victory over Mansfield Town, securing three vital points that cemented their place in the League One Play-Off positions. Noel Hunt’s side showed determination and composure in a match that was far from straightforward, delighting the home crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The final game of the calendar year began with Mansfield getting the ball rolling, but Reading quickly sought to build on their Boxing Day win against Northampton Town. The first real opportunity came in the sixth minute when Reading captain Lewis Wing struck from outside the box. However, his effort lacked precision, drifting wide of the post.

The opening exchanges were evenly matched, with both defences applying heavy pressure, leading to a series of misplaced passes. But in the 17th minute, the Royals broke the deadlock. Mamadi Camara, fresh off his Boxing Day heroics, made a brilliant run after being set up by Lewis Wing. Wing battled hard to win the ball in midfield, feeding Camara, who coolly slotted past Mansfield keeper Christy Pym. Reading were 1–0 up.

Mansfield pushed for an equaliser, with Keanu Baccu attempting two shots in quick succession around the 20-minute mark. His first effort sailed over the bar, while the second was blocked brilliantly by Tyler Bindon. The visitors kept up the pressure, coming close on several occasions. Lucas Akins was a constant threat, forcing a heroic goal-line block from Bindon just before the referee called play back for a foul.

The Stags’ persistence paid off just before half-time. Elliott Hewitt delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Will Evans rose highest to head the ball past a diving Joel Pereira, leveling the score at 1–1. Reading had a late chance in added time through Sam Smith, but Christy Pym reacted well to snuff out the danger. The teams went into the break all square.

Half-Time: Reading 1–1 Mansfield Town

Reading kicked off the second half and looked to regain control. Early on, Abraham Kanu drove forward, drawing a foul from Mansfield’s Will Evans, who was subsequently booked. From the resulting free kick, Wing sent in a dangerous ball, forcing Pym into a scrambling save. The rebound fell to Chem Campbell, who headed it across goal, where centre-back Tyler Bindon executed a spectacular bicycle kick to restore Reading’s lead in the 52nd minute—a rare and memorable goal from the defender.

The Royals sought to extend their advantage, with Charlie Savage coming close after volleying just wide. Mansfield struggled to create clear chances, relying instead on speculative efforts. Reading continued to look threatening on the counter, with Wing narrowly missing the target from distance.

Controversy struck when Harvey Knibbs appeared to be fouled in the Mansfield box, but the referee waved away Reading’s penalty claims, much to the frustration of the home fans. Meanwhile, Mansfield’s Louis Reed tried his luck from long range, but his shot failed to trouble Pereira.

With 10 minutes left, Noel Hunt made changes, bringing on Andre Garcia and Jayden Wareham to freshen up the attack. Mansfield came close to equalising in the 88th minute when Aaron Lewis unleashed a deflected strike that narrowly missed the target. However, Reading held firm during the five minutes of added time, managing the game well to see out the victory.

The final whistle marked the end of an eventful 2024 for the Royals. Back-to-back wins have bolstered their promotion hopes, and they will look to maintain this momentum when they travel to Cambridge on New Year’s Day.

Full-Time: Reading 2–1 Mansfield Town

The Squad

Reading: Pereira, Craig, Knibbs, Savage, Smith (Dean 89′), Campbell, Bindon, Mbengue, Camara (Wareham 79′), Wing ©, Kanu (Garcia 79′)
Subs: Button, Rushesha, Holzman, Sackey
Goals: Camara (17′), Bindon (55′)
Yellow: Mbengue (78′), Wareham (90+2′)

Mansfield Town: Pym, Hewitt (Gregory 75′), Cargill (McLaughlin 65′), Akins ©, Lewis, Bowery (Flint 89′), Evans, Baccus (Boateng 65′), Blake-Tracy, Oshilaja, Reed (Quinn 75′)
Subs: Kilgour, Flinders
Goals: Evans (45′)
Yellows: Evans (54′), McGlaughlin (83′)