Reading delivered a commanding performance at home, defeating Crawley Town 4-1 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with goals from Amadou Mbengue, Lewis Wing, Charlie Savage, and Sam Smith.
The visitors kicked off on a sunny day in RG2, but it was the Royals who quickly asserted their dominance. Mbengue’s early cross was cleared just two minutes into the match, setting the tone for Reading’s attacking intent. Crawley responded with a corner in the sixth minute, but it was Sam Smith’s opportunity in the eighth that was thwarted by an outstanding save from goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott.
As the game progressed, David Button made a crucial save from Will Swan to keep Crawley from taking an early lead, and the Royals continued to press forward. After several near misses, Reading finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. A free kick from Lewis Wing created chaos in the Crawley box, allowing Mbengue to score from close range.
However, Crawley equalised shortly after, with Harry Forster finding the net in the 30th minute after a dangerous attack. The match remained competitive, with both teams exchanging chances, but it was Reading who regained the lead just before halftime. In the 40th minute, Wing unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner, putting the Royals ahead 2-1.
Half-time: Reading 2-1 Crawley Town
The second half began with an attendance of 13,243, and Crawley continued to push for an equaliser. Will Swan had a one-on-one opportunity saved by Button in the 50th minute, and the visitors kept up the pressure. Despite their relentless attacking, it was Reading who struck next. In the 67th minute, Charlie Savage capitalized on a mistake by Wollacott, chipping the ball home from 25 yards to make it 3-1.
Shortly after, Andre Garcia was substituted for Harlee Dean, allowing Mbengue to switch to left back. Despite Crawley’s persistent efforts, it was Sam Smith who sealed the victory in the 76th minute, tapping in after a slick one-two with Lewis Wing to extend Reading’s lead to 4-1.
Reading’s momentum continued as Mbengue was cautioned for a late challenge, prompting manager Rubén Sellés to make a triple substitution, bringing on Basil Tuma, Jayden Wareham, and Shay Spencer. Wareham nearly added a fifth but was flagged offside in the 81st minute.
The Royals continued to apply pressure, with Chem Campbell coming close with a shot that skimmed the side netting. Although Crawley managed to claim a few more chances, they were unable to find the back of the net.
As the referee blew the final whistle, Reading celebrated a well-deserved victory, earning another three points at home.
Full-time: Reading 4-1 Crawley Town
A clinical display from Reading saw them overpower Crawley Town, with impressive performances from the entire squad. The Royals will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
Team Line-ups
Reading: Button, Elliott (Wareham 80′), Craig, Knibbs (Campbell 55′), Savage, Smith (Spencer 80′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing ©, Garcia (Dean 69′), Akande (Tuma 80′)
Subs: Rowley, Rushesha
Goals: Mbengue (21′), Wing (40′), Savage (65′), Smith (73′)
Yellow: Mbengue (78′)
Crawley Town: Wollacott, Barker, Anderson (Camara 74′), Forster (Hepburn-Murphy 67′), Swan (Tanimu 83′), Darcy, Quitirna (Holohan 84′), Kelly, Mukena (Showunmi 83′), Ibrahim, Mullarkey
Subs: Bragg, Roles
Goals: Forster (30′)
Yellow: Anderson (36′), Camara (87′)
