Reading Royals pulled off a gritty 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, thanks to a crucial goal from Sam Smith. With this victory, it’s three wins in three games for Rubén Sellés’ squad – they’re absolutely on fire!
Right from the start, it was clear the Royals meant business. Just 41 seconds in, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan fired off a shot, but it soared over the bar. Both teams were pushing hard, trying to break through, and Reading’s Harvey Knibbs nearly scored with a rocket of a shot 19 minutes in. But Rovers’ goalie, Taylor Griffiths, was ready for it.
Reading kept up the pressure, with Ben Elliott earning a free-kick that didn’t quite pan out. Ehibhatiomhan, back from a suspension midweek against Exeter City, was causing chaos for Rovers’ defense, spinning around defenders like a pro. He almost set up Knibbs for a goal, but Rovers blocked the shot. The first half was intense, with chances flying everywhere. Smith even scored right before halftime, only to be called offside.
Half-time came and went with the score still locked at 0-0. After the break, it was more of the same, with both teams fighting for control. Then, the game changed. Rovers’ Shaq Forde was sent off in the 55th minute, giving Reading a one-man advantage, and the home fans went wild.
Not long after, Smith finally broke through. Ben Elliott threaded a perfect pass, and Smith smashed it home, his second goal in two games at the stadium. From there, the Royals controlled the pace, keeping possession and inviting Rovers to chase. Late in the game, Pereira, Reading’s keeper, pulled off some incredible saves, stopping Rovers from equalizing in nail-biting fashion.
Despite Rovers throwing everything they had at Reading in the dying moments, the Royals held on. It wasn’t the flashiest game, but a win’s a win, and the Royals walked away with three more points.
Summary: Reading Royals ground out a tough 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers, with Sam Smith’s second-half goal sealing the deal. A red card for Rovers gave Reading an advantage, and their keeper Pereira made some clutch saves to keep Rovers at bay. With three wins in a row, the Royals now set their sights on Tuesday’s game against Stockport.
Team Lineups
Reading: Pereira, Elliott (Savage 74′), Craig, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith, Bindon, Mbengue, Camara (Campbell 64′), Wing ©, Garcia
Subs: Button, Wareham, Holzman, Akande, Ahmed
Goals: Smith (66′)
Yellow: Bindon (74′)
Bristol Rovers: Griffiths, Moore, Wilson, Mola, Sinclair © (Bilongo 67′), Ward (Lindsay 67′), Omochere (Hutchinson 43′), Sotirou (Hunt 60′), Taylor, Conteh, Forde
Subs: Thomas, McCormick, Forbes
Yellow: Omochere (21′), Forde (32′), Hunt (89′), Moore (90+3′)
Red: Forde (55′)
