Reading 4-1 Northampton Town

First Half: Fast Start and Early Goals

The match kicked off with the home crowd roaring, and Reading wasted no time making an impact. Within two minutes, Sam Smith’s high pressing forced a shaky clearance from Northampton goalkeeper Nik Tzanev, setting the tone for a relentless first half.

It didn’t take long for Reading to find the opener. Just four minutes in, a chaotic sequence in the Cobblers’ box saw multiple headers ricochet before Harvey Knibbs pounced to poke the ball home. It was a dream start for the Royals, who immediately put the visitors under pressure.

Northampton attempted to respond, with Tom Eaves firing a speculative long-range effort and Cameron McGeehan heading across goal from a promising cross. However, neither effort troubled Joel Pereira in the Reading goal.

Amadou Mbengue showcased his attacking flair with a powerful run from defence, regaining possession after a Northampton error and unleashing a strike from distance, though it was easily gathered by Tzanev. The Royals also had a strong penalty shout waved away when Mbengue appeared to be manhandled in the box, but the referee was unmoved.

The Cobblers came close to equalising through Jon Guthrie, whose header from a corner was comfortably cleared off the line by Reading captain Lewis Wing. Reading, however, remained the more threatening side, with neat interplay from Chem Campbell and Michael Craig leading to a pinpoint cross from Wing that Sam Smith headed narrowly wide.

Smith wouldn’t be denied for long. In the 28th minute, a trademark long ball from Wing found the striker in behind Northampton’s defence. Smith kept his cool and slotted past Tzanev, doubling Reading’s lead.

Northampton’s McGeehan came close to pulling one back with a powerful strike from 30 yards that sailed just over, but it was Reading who ended the half firmly in control.

Half-time: Reading 2-0 Northampton Town

Second Half: A Controlled Performance

With momentum on their side, Reading started the second half determined to secure the three points. Northampton’s Liam McCarron had an early chance but fired well over the bar.

Sam Smith thought he had scored his second when he broke free once again, only to be flagged offside. Harvey Knibbs continued to torment the Cobblers’ defence, delivering a dangerous cross that was nervously cleared for a corner by Timothy Eyoma.

As the game wore on, Reading focused on keeping control with tidy passing and solid defensive work, frustrating Northampton’s attempts to get back into the match. Then, in the 76th minute, Charlie Savage put the game beyond doubt. Picking up the ball 25 yards from goal, the Welshman unleashed a stunning left-footed strike into the bottom corner, a goal that showcased his growing reputation for long-range brilliance.

Substitutes Jayden Wareham and Andre Garcia added fresh legs to the attack, replacing Smith and Kanu with ten minutes to go. However, Northampton managed to pull one back in the 81st minute. Tom Eaves found space and slotted the ball into the top corner, though there were protests for a potential handball in the buildup.

Reading didn’t let the setback faze them. Just six minutes later, Mamadi Camara sealed the victory in style. A surging run from young substitute Andre Garcia opened up the defence, and his cutback found Camara, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

As the referee blew the final whistle, the home crowd erupted in applause, delighted with their team’s dominant display.

Full-time: Reading 4-1 Northampton Town

Looking Ahead

It was a well-deserved win for Reading, who now look ahead to another home fixture against Mansfield Town on Sunday. With confidence high, the Royals will be hoping to make it two wins in a row and end the year on a positive note.

Todays squads