In a match that epitomised the phrase “a game of two halves,” Reading fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Rotherham United at the New York Stadium on Saturday. The Royals entered the second half with a lead but succumbed to a spirited comeback from the Millers.
The hosts kicked off in bright sunshine, with Rubén Sellés’ side aiming to build on a successful week in Sky Bet League One. The Royals started well, with Lewis Wing’s first shot of the game from the edge of the box being blocked after a promising forward run by Sam Smith. However, it was the Millers who leveled the game just four minutes into the second half. Sam Nombe found the net from close range, making it 1-1.
Reading responded positively, nearly regaining the lead two minutes later. A well-timed pass from Wing found Smith, but the striker’s effort was thwarted by a recovering defender. Rotherham then struck again in the 56th minute, with Hakeem Odoffin rising highest to head home from a cross, putting the Millers ahead for the first time in the match.
Things became more challenging for the Royals in the 68th minute when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan received a second yellow card, leaving Reading with ten men. In reaction to the dismissal, Sellés made a double substitution, introducing Jayden Wareham and Charlie Savage to inject fresh energy into the squad. Wareham soon had a chance, connecting with a dangerous Sam Smith cross, but his shot was deflected wide.
Despite being a man down, the Royals pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Wareham was close again, but his shot from a low Harvey Knibbs cross went agonizingly wide. In injury time, Reading threw everything forward. A long throw from Amadou Mbengue created chaos in the Rotherham box, with David Button even joining the fray in the attacking buildup. However, despite their efforts, the Royals couldn’t find the back of the net, and Rotherham held on for the victory.
The match began with Rotherham applying early pressure, and Reading had to be alert defensively. The first real chance came to Rotherham captain Jonson Clarke-Harris, whose half-volley went over the bar. The Royals countered with a close call of their own when Campbell’s cross was narrowly cleared. Rotherham continued to threaten, but it was Reading who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Wing’s expertly taken free-kick from 20 yards out beat goalkeeper Cameron Dawson, putting the Royals ahead.
Just two minutes after taking the lead, Reading was forced to make a substitution when Kelvin Abrefa limped off, and Andre Garcia stepped in at left back. The hosts pushed for an equalizer, with Clarke-Harris again coming close, but Button made a superb save to deny him.
After a solid first half from the Royals, where they had put in a strong performance, the whistle blew for halftime with Reading leading 1-0. However, the second half proved a different story, as the Millers rallied back to claim all three points.
Full-time: Rotherham 2-1 Reading
Despite a promising first half, Reading fell short in the second, allowing Rotherham to come from behind and secure a 2-1 victory. The Royals will need to regroup as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
Team Line-ups
Rotherham United: Dawson, Rafferty, James (Bramall 64′), Powell, Nombe, Clarke-Harris © (Hugill 82′), Wilks (Holmes 88′), Odoffin (MacDonald 88′), Humphreys, Tiehi (McWilliams 82′), McCart
Subs: Phillips, Hungbo
Goals: Nombe (49′), Odoffin (56′)
Yellow: James (59′), Dawson (77′)
Reading: Button, Abrefa (Garcia 28′ (Akande 90′)), Elliott (Savage 72′), Craig (Dean 90′), Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith, Campbell (Wareham 72′), Bindon, Mbengue, Wing ©
Subs: Rowley, Tuma
Goals: Wing (26′)
Yellow: Garcia (44′), Ehibhatiomhan (47′ & 68′), Smith (57′), Craig (83′)
Red: Ehibhatiomhan (68′)
