What a fantastic afternoon for the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as they bounced back from their recent struggles with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town! The sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and despite going behind early on, Reading showed incredible resilience to claim the win.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to find an early breakthrough. It was Huddersfield who had the first chance when Josh Koroma tested Reading’s goalkeeper, David Button, with a weak shot that was easily saved. Meanwhile, Chem Campbell was trying his best to create some magic on the right side for the Royals, but his cross ended up sailing over everyone’s heads. The opening ten minutes saw both defenses holding strong, making it tough for either side to find their rhythm.
Things took a turn in the 19th minute when Ben Elliott received a yellow card for a foul just outside the box. Huddersfield capitalized on this mistake, as Antony Evans took the free kick that hit the post, and Matthew Pearson was quick to react, heading home the rebound to put the visitors ahead 1-0. The Royals were immediately on the back foot, but they didn’t let that deter them.
Ehibhatiomhan, looking lively, earned a free kick shortly after, but Lewis Wing’s delivery was cleared away by the Huddersfield defense. Reading’s response came swiftly, and just eleven minutes later, Harvey Knibbs equalized in spectacular fashion! After some sloppy defending from Huddersfield, Knibbs seized his chance, winning the ball and smashing it into the roof of the net. The game was now all square at 1-1!
With the momentum shifting, both teams pushed for a second goal before half-time. Huddersfield came close with a shot from Spencer, but Button was on hand to tip it over the bar. In the 38th minute, Evans nearly sent the Huddersfield fans into raptures with a long-range effort that struck the back stanchion, giving everyone a scare as it slid across the goal line without going in! The first half ended in a 1-1 deadlock, with Reading having fought back admirably.
Half-time: Reading 1-1 Huddersfield Town
The second half kicked off with both sides looking to take control. Huddersfield thought they had regained the lead early on when Pearson scored from a set piece, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. But in a twist of fate, Reading seized the moment. Harvey Knibbs was brought down during a counterattack, earning a free kick that set up a crucial moment in the match.
Reading’s relentless pressure paid off in the 57th minute when some brilliant link-up play between Ehibhatiomhan and Lewis Wing freed Ben Elliott on the edge of the box. Elliott took a touch, shifted the ball onto his right foot, and drilled a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net, sending the home fans into a frenzy! The Royals were now leading 2-1.
With the Terriers desperately seeking an equalizer, they made four substitutions to shake things up. Reading responded by bringing on Adrian Akande for Campbell, aiming to maintain their lead. Button was called into action again, producing a crucial save from a close-range header to keep Huddersfield at bay.
As the game wound down, the Royals’ defense held firm against a barrage of Huddersfield attacks. The final moments were nerve-wracking, with six minutes of added time bringing the tension to a peak. The home crowd, fueled by excitement, rallied behind the team, singing “Blue Army” to push their players over the finish line.
And push they did! Reading defended resolutely and successfully managed to see out the game for a much-needed victory.
Full-time: Reading 2-1 Huddersfield Town
After a rocky start, the Royals showed their true fighting spirit by coming from behind to beat Huddersfield Town 2-1. Harvey Knibbs and Ben Elliott were the heroes of the day, scoring to secure the win. This performance will surely boost the team’s confidence as they look to build on this success in the coming matches!
Reading: Button, Abrefa (Dean 80′), Elliott (Savage 80′), Craig, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith, Campbell (Akande 70′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing ©
Subs: Boyce-Clarke, Rushesha, Wareham, Garcia
Goals: Knibbs (30′), Elliot (57′)
Yellow: Elliott (20′),
Huddersfield Town: Chapman, Pearson, Hogg © (Hodge 82′), Marshall (Radulovic 62′), Koroma, Headley (Miller 62′), Spencer (Sorensen 62′), Kasumu (Wiles 62′), Evans, Lonwijk, Lees
Subs: Hurl, Ladapo
Goals: Pearson (21′)
Yellow: Spencer (22′), Headley (49′), Kasumu (62′)
