The life of a football fan has its perks, especially when your dad runs a holiday business in Devon. Lucky for me, this meant frequent trips to the South West, whether for a short getaway or to help my dad with work. But this particular visit wasn’t just another trip – it was something I’d been looking forward to for weeks. Reading FC’s away match against Exeter City was on the horizon, and it just so happened that my dads visit to Devon perfectly coincided with the game. I was buzzing with excitement.
We parked about a 10-minute walk from the stadium, a cozy little ground nestled in the heart of Exeter. St James Park isn’t one of those big, flashy arenas; it’s old-school, filled with character and charm. The kind of ground that gives you a nostalgic glimpse into football’s past. There were no fancy food trucks or bustling drink stalls outside, but instead, a traditional family type feel that I was told was reminiscent of Reading’s old home, Elm Park, just on a smaller scale.
As we arrived early, I was thrilled to spot a familiar face right away – Richard Bone, Reading’s kit man. He had already been there for a while, setting everything up for the day. After catching up with him for a bit, the first team coach pulled up. The players arrived through some simple, open metal gates right next to the away turnstile, giving fans the chance to see their heroes up close as they stepped off the coach.
It was surreal. You don’t usually get such an intimate glimpse of the players when you attend away games, but here, I was standing just a few feet away from players I have got to know over the last couple of years. I even managed to have a quick chat with a few of the players and staff I knew before they headed inside to prepare for the game. Shortly after, the coach carrying Reading’s away supporters pulled up, and the atmosphere started to build.
An hour before kickoff, the turnstiles opened. We were greeted warmly by the stadium staff, who handed out free hot drink vouchers – a lovely gesture on a brisk October evening. As we walked through, I could see the small vendor behind the away stand selling all the essentials: hot and cold drinks, sausage rolls, pasties (well, it is the West Country!), and the usual assortment of chocolates and sweets.
The away end itself wasn’t very big, but it had this unique charm. A simple metal structure behind the goal, it could probably hold no more than 10-15 rows of people standing at a squeeze. But the metal underfoot amplified the sound, and I knew straight away that it was going to be a loud one! I found a spot toward the back, slightly to one side of the goal, leaning against the railings. It was so tightly packed that there was hardly room to sit down at halftime, but that only added to the buzz of excitement.
Before the match kicked off, we were treated to a bit of dodgeball courtesy of the players warming up. Wayward shots kept flying into the stands, sending us all ducking and laughing. It was great to see Joel Pereira back between the sticks. He’s one of my favorite players, and it was clear he had a strong connection with the fans, often kissing the badge and acknowledging our support. The 800 or so Reading fans who had made the trip were in full voice, and the noise was relentless from the very start.
As the game kicked off, the energy in the away end was electric. Reading came out strong, and the early goal by Jayden Wareham – after just one minute! – sent the fans into a frenzy. The young forward showed fantastic composure, slotting the ball into the bottom corner with such confidence. It was the perfect start, and the away end erupted. The noise was deafening, and the singing continued non-stop throughout the first half.
The atmosphere was incredible, and you could see how much it was lifting the players on the pitch. Reading were pressing hard and Wareham was rewarded with a goal in the 1st minute of play, which was a cool shot placed to the keepers right. Harvey Knibbs and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan were constantly harrying the Exeter defence. Every tackle, every pass, and every shot was met with roaring approval from the the away Royals fans. And then, just before halftime, Reading doubled their lead. Michael Craig pounced on a rebound after Lewis Wing’s shot was blocked, calmly slotting it into the corner. 2-0! The sense of relief was palpable, and we went into halftime with a solid lead.
The second half, however, was a different story. Exeter came out of the dressing room with a renewed energy, and you could feel the tension building in the stands. Their substitutions made an immediate impact, and within minutes, they pulled one back. A wicked cross into the box found Ilmari Niskanen, who fired a half-volley into the net. The atmosphere shifted, and suddenly the away end went from jubilant to anxious.
The noise from the home fans grew louder, and I found myself gripping the railing a little tighter. Reading’s defence was under siege, with Exeter pushing hard for an equaliser. Pereira pulled off a series of fantastic saves to keep us in the game, and there were moments when it felt like Exeter were going to break through again. My heart was in my mouth every time the ball came near our box.
But despite Exeter’s pressure, Reading’s defense stood firm. Tyler Bindon and Amadou Mbengue were immense at the back, clearing the ball time and again, while Wing and Savage worked tirelessly in midfield to break up play. The nerves in the away end were almost unbearable as the clock ticked down, but the team dug deep and held on.
As the final whistle blew, the relief was overwhelming. We’d done it – Reading’s first away win of the season, and I was there to witness it! The players came over to the away end to applaud us, and there was a real sense of connection between the team and the fans. Joel Pereira, who had been outstanding all game, even came over for a fist pump and a hug, expressing his gratitude for the support and how much he loved being back between the posts.
After the match, I hung around to catch up with some of the players and staff. They all looked exhausted but elated after what had been a hard-fought victory. Pereira, still full of energy, was buzzing about the win, saying how much he relished being back in action and how grateful he was for the fans’ support. It was a special moment to share, especially after such an emotional game.
As I made my way back to the car, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day. It had been everything I hoped for and more – the thrill of an away day, the excitement of the match, and the joy of celebrating a well-deserved win. And to top it all off, we’re now sitting 7th in the league, with a home game against Bristol Rovers to look forward to next. Could things get any better?
For me, this was more than just a game. It was an experience, one that reminded me why I love following Reading FC. The highs, the lows, the tension, the release – it’s all part of being a football fan. And as I drifted off to sleep that night, still buzzing from the win, I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t wait for the next match on Saturday.
