Reading FC – Back to Winnings Ways
A dramatic late penalty from Harvey Knibbs saw Reading secure a massive three points, as Noel Hunt’s side battled their way to victory against Bolton Wanderers.
First Half: A Tactical Battle
The game kicked off with Charlie Savage getting things underway, as Reading pushed forward with intent. Despite enjoying the majority of possession in the opening 15 minutes, clear chances were hard to come by.
Bolton had the first real scare of the match, with Aaron Collins firing a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box—thankfully for the Royals, it whizzed just past the post.
Reading responded well, with some slick interplay between Savage and Camara setting up a deep cross into the box. Chem Campbell rose highest, but his header was straight at former Royal James Southwood.
Bolton continued testing their luck from range, with Josh Sheehan blasting an effort wide, while Reading showed defensive resilience, particularly through Michael Craig, who made a brilliant recovery tackle to deny Abeboyejo a clear shot on goal.
As the half wore on, both sides threatened. A ricochet nearly gifted Bolton a golden opportunity, but Joel Pereira made a superb stop with his legs to keep the score level.
Half-Time: Reading 0-0 Bolton
Second Half: Tension Builds
Bolton kicked off the second half, but the pattern of play remained similar—Reading with positive buildup, but struggling to carve out clear-cut chances.
The Royals came close when a fierce pressing effort from Craig, Campbell, and Wing resulted in a half-chance for Wing, whose shot deflected just over the bar. Moments later, a frantic scramble in the Bolton box saw Campbell, Wareham, and Camara all attempt to bundle the ball home, only for a last-ditch clearance to deny them.
With the game becoming stretched, Pereira was called into action once more, making a vital save from Collins before Bolton rattled the crossbar with a free kick.
Late Drama: Knibbs Delivers
As the game neared its conclusion, a high cross from Wing saw Southwood fail to claim the ball, but Savage’s awkward volley flew wide.
With under ten minutes to play, Bolton had their best chance of the match. Collins found himself through on goal, but, to Reading’s relief, he dragged his shot wide.
Then, the defining moment arrived. A free kick from Wing was swung into the box, and a Bolton defender inadvertently handled the ball. The referee had no doubts—penalty to Reading!
Up stepped Knibbs. Cool as you like, he slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending the Royals faithful into raptures. 1-0!
Reading had another chance to put the game to bed moments later, with Wareham seeing an effort bobble just wide, but it didn’t matter. The Royals held firm through five minutes of stoppage time to secure a crucial victory.
Final Score: Reading 1-0 Bolton
Team Line-ups
Reading: Pereira, Craig, Dean, Knibbs, Savage, Wareham, Campbell (Holzman 90’), Bindon, Camara (Ehibhatiomhan 69’), Wing (C), Garcia (Abrefa 69’)
Subs: Button, Rushesha, Kanu, Sackey
Goals: Knibbs 89’ (Pen)
Yellow cards: Craig 81’
Bolton: Southwood, Murphy (Schon 66’), Thomason (Morley 77’), Johnston, Sheehan, Adeboyejo (Etete 66’), Dacres-Cogley (Osei-Tutu 83’), Forrester, Toal, Collins, Randall (McAtee 77’)
Subs: Baxter, Jones
Yellow cards: Thomason 73’
Key Stats
- Possession: Reading 57% – 43% Bolton
- Shots on Target: Reading 2 – 4 Bolton
- Big Chances Missed: Reading 1 – 3 Bolton
- Pass Accuracy: Reading 81% – 77% Bolton
- Fouls Committed: Reading 14 – 11 Bolton
Post-Match Thoughts
Reading boss Noel Hunt praised his side’s grit, especially after a tough week that saw them lose at Burton and sell star striker Sam Smith to Wrexham.
“I’m proud of the boys,” Hunt said. “They deserved it, they fought tooth and nail. We out-fight, we out-run, and then we try to play.”
Bolton’s new manager, Steven Schumacher, took positives from the performance despite the loss, insisting his side will bounce back: “I didn’t feel we deserved to lose. We’ll play worse than that and win games this season.”
As the final whistle blew, there was a special moment as Reading’s hero of the night, Joel Pereira, gifted his signed gloves to a couple of lucky fans—including me! A perfect way to end a dramatic night at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
