In a spirited pre-season friendly on July 23, 2024, Reading FC clinched a 2-0 victory over Vanarama National League side Woking, marking their second win of the pre-season and the first in front of their supporters. Goals from Jayden Wareham and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan sealed the victory, as Rubén Sellés’ squad showcased their potential ahead of the new 2023/24 season.
First Half: A Competitive Start
The match kicked off energetically, with John Ryan enduring a strong challenge in the opening seconds, briefly halting play. Reading’s initial threat came in the 4th minute when a well-orchestrated midfield move saw Sam Smith set up Basil Tuma near the Woking goal. Despite Tuma’s skillful control, he was thwarted by three Woking defenders, resulting in a blocked shot.
Woking responded with their own spell of possession, including two corners well-defended by Harlee Dean. Dean, a defensive stalwart, also attempted to capitalize on an offensive corner but directed his header straight into the hands of a defender.
The first half was marked by tight play, with both teams struggling to break through each other’s defenses. Ben Elliott’s neat footwork nearly led to a scoring opportunity for Smith, but the striker was caught offside. Reading’s goalkeeper, David Button, was called into action late in the half, comfortably saving a long-range free-kick. The teams went into halftime locked at 0-0, after a half characterized by combative play and limited clear-cut chances.
Second Half: Reading Takes Control
The second half began with a contentious challenge by Michael Stickland on Woking’s Dion Kelly-Evans, leading to a free-kick but no further disciplinary action. Woking dominated territory early in the half but failed to create significant scoring opportunities.
Reading broke the deadlock with a well-executed goal. Mamadi Camara orchestrated the play on the left flank, setting up Jayden Wareham, who calmly finished from inside the box. Wareham, showing respect to his former club where he spent time during the 2020/21 season, celebrated with restraint.
Sellés made significant changes, introducing seven substitutes to give the squad more playing time. Among the substitutes, Femi Azeez narrowly missed extending Reading’s lead with a header just over the bar from a corner.
The Royals doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan converted a penalty. Amadou Mbengue’s impressive 50-yard pass found Ehibhatiomhan, who was fouled in the box. Despite a strong attempt by Woking’s trialist goalkeeper to save the penalty, Ehibhatiomhan’s powerful shot found the bottom left corner.
Joel Pereira, Reading’s keeper, made a crucial save in the 83rd minute, bravely collecting a free-kick at the second attempt. Wareham continued to threaten, setting up Azeez late in the game, but Azeez’s shot was comfortably saved by the Woking goalkeeper.
As the final whistle blew, Reading secured a 2-0 victory, a promising result as they prepare for the upcoming season. The performance highlighted the team’s depth and the effectiveness of their pre-season training.
Full Time: Woking 0-2 Reading
This win not only adds to the team’s momentum but also provides a confidence boost for the players and coaching staff. The pre-season has been an opportunity for new and existing players to integrate and demonstrate their readiness for the challenges ahead. With fans witnessing the match, the victory serves as a positive connection between the team and its supporters, hinting at a promising season for the Royals.
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