In an exhilarating final pre-season fixture, Rubén Sellés’ Reading FC put on a dazzling performance to overcome Hull City 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. This victory not only showcased the team’s potential but also set the perfect tone ahead of their Sky Bet League One opener against Birmingham City next Saturday.
FIRST HALF
The match kicked off with Hull City taking early control, but Reading’s defense, learning from their previous outing against Cardiff, stood solid against the initial pressure. Hull’s attempts were mostly limited to crosses that failed to connect, while Reading’s aggressive press kept the Tigers on their toes.
The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute through a brilliant team effort. Lewis Wing, starting from deep within Reading’s half, initiated a counterattack by finding Michael Craig on the right. Craig’s swift one-two and subsequent pass to Sam Smith set the stage for a poised setup to Femi Azeez. Azeez, showing great vision, delivered a precise ball to Ben Elliott who finished with confidence. The Royals headed into halftime with a well-deserved lead.
Half Time: Reading 1-0 Hull City
SECOND HALF
The second half sprang to life immediately, with Hull City’s Estupiñán narrowly missing an equalizer from a left-wing cross. Reading quickly responded with Femi Azeez almost doubling the lead after a rebound from Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s shot.
The Royals’ persistence paid off in the 52nd minute. Sam Smith, amidst a crowded box, rose highest to head home from a cross, confirmed as a goal by the Assistant Referee. This goal marked Smith’s first of the pre-season and cemented Reading’s dominance in the match.
Despite the sweltering summer heat, both teams displayed remarkable fitness levels. Hull’s Estupiñán continued to challenge Reading’s defense, and Xavier Simons came close with a shot hitting the post. In the dying moments, Amadou Mbengue almost capped off the game with a third goal, but his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Hull’s goalkeeper Pandur.
The final whistle not only marked the end of an engaging match but also the conclusion of Reading’s pre-season schedule. The Royals now turn their focus to their season opener against Birmingham City, buoyed by this morale-boosting victory.
Full Time: Reading 2-0 Hull City
Reading Line-up:
- Starting XI: Pereira, Elliott, Craig, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith, Azeez, Mbengue, Wing, Garcia, Kanu
- Substitutes: Boyce-Clarke, Dean, Savage, Wareham, Camara, Holzman, Sackey, Osho
- Goals: Elliott (35′), Smith (52′)
Hull City Line-up:
- Starting XI: Pandur, Drameh, Jones, McLoughlin, Jacob, Mehlem, Slater, Simons, Omur, Estupiñán, Longman
- Substitutes: Foster, Giles, Vaughan, Fleming, Seri, Smith, Hall, Sellars-Fleming, Ashbee, Tinsdale
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