Reading secured their first away victory of the season with a gritty 2-1 win against Exeter City in Sky Bet League One, showcasing a determined performance full of character.
The Royals were backed by over 800 travelling supporters (for which I was one of them), as they kicked off the match. They didn’t take long to ignite the excitement, scoring in the very first minute. Harvey Knibbs demonstrated his strength to turn past his marker, feeding the ball to Jayden Wareham, who calmly slotted it into the bottom corner, giving Reading an early 1-0 lead.
The initial frantic pace settled into a more balanced contest, with both teams exchanging corners but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rubén Sellés’ side remained resolute, pressuring the Grecians to disrupt their attacks.
In the 21st minute, a defensive mistake from Exeter allowed Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan a chance to shoot, but his effort sailed over the bar after taking a deflection. From the subsequent corner, Tyler Bindon had an opportunity on the half volley, but Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth smothered the attempt.
Exeter nearly equalized in the 26th minute when Mustapha Carayol delivered a dangerous cross, but Andre Garcia managed to deflect it behind. The hosts had a half chance in the 34th minute, with Jack Aitchison pulling a tame shot wide from 20 yards.
Reading responded swiftly, and their persistence paid off when they doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Knibbs picked up a forward ball and passed it to Lewis Wing, whose blocked shot fell to Michael Craig, who coolly slotted it into the near corner, leaving Whitworth stranded.
As the first half drew to a close, Exeter’s Ilmari Niskanen came close to halving the deficit, firing just over the bar from 20 yards out. Reading took a 2-0 lead into the dressing room, having controlled much of the half.
Half-time: Exeter City 0-2 Reading
Exeter made a double substitution at the break, introducing attack-minded players Millenic Alli and Josh Magennis in an effort to spark a comeback. However, it was Reading who had the first chance of the half. Chem Campbell’s strong run down the wing set up Charlie Savage, whose 18-yard effort was well saved by Whitworth.
Exeter soon found their rhythm, with Niskanen again causing trouble. In the 58th minute, he pulled one back for the hosts with a fierce half-volley from a corner delivered by Alli, making it 2-1.
In response, Sellès made tactical changes, bringing on Sam Smith and Adrian Akande to bolster the Royals’ attack. Exeter’s momentum continued to build, and they nearly equalized in the 65th minute when Alli’s shot was deflected into the arms of goalkeeper Joel Pereira.
The Grecians came agonizingly close in the 73rd minute when Niskanen struck the inside of the post, but the rebound evaded the onrushing Exeter players.
As the match entered its final stages, Reading managed to find some attacking rhythm, forcing a series of corners that relieved pressure. A late long-range effort from Wing was blocked by the resolute Exeter defense.
In the closing minutes, Mamadi Camara came on for Ehibhatiomhan, adding fresh legs to the Reading lineup as they dug deep to protect their lead. The Royals’ defense held firm against Exeter’s onslaught, securing a hard-fought victory.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the players and the visiting fans, marking a significant moment for the club. With this maiden away win, Reading now turns their focus to the upcoming home game against Bristol Rovers.
Full-time: Exeter City 1-2 Reading
Reading secured their first away win of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Exeter City. Jayden Wareham opened the scoring just a minute into the match, and Michael Craig doubled the lead before halftime. Although Exeter pulled one back through Ilmari Niskanen in the second half, Reading’s defense held firm, allowing them to celebrate a crucial three points.
Exeter City: Whitworth, McMillan, Crama, Woods (Bird 86′), Francis (Doyle 54′), Aitchison, Niskanen, Yfeko, Cox (Magennis 46′), Sweeney, Carayol (Alli 46′)
Subs: MacDonald, Purrington, Fitzwater
Goals: Niskanen (58′)
Yellow: Woods (55′)
Reading: Pereira, Craig, Knibbs, Savage (Elliot 69′), Ehibhatiomhan (Camara 82′), Wareham (Smith 60′), Campbell (Akande 60′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing, Garcia (Dean 69′)
Subs: Button, Camara, Ahmed
Goals: Wareham (1′), Craig (36′)
Yellow: Mbengue (77′)
