Reading dominated in a thrilling 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic, with two stunning second-half goals from Charlie Savage and Sam Smith that sealed the victory in style.
The match started with the Royals bringing intensity from the first whistle, keeping most of the play in Charlton’s half. The first real chance came from Akande, who whipped a perfect low cross across the six-yard box. Sadly, no Reading player was in position to tap it in, but the early threat set the tone for the game.
Reading kept pushing forward with energy, and a 20-yard shot from Ben Elliott almost put them ahead, but it went wide. Shortly after, Smith showed some amazing strength, holding off defenders after a low shot from Craig hit him in the box. He tried to volley it in, but couldn’t connect cleanly, giving the Charlton keeper an easy save.
Midway through the first half, Charlton managed to regain some control after a brief injury pause for their goalkeeper. The visitors started to create a few chances of their own, the closest being a 25-yard strike from Campbell that just missed the target.
Charlton continued to pressure, especially after a free-kick on the half-hour mark was sent into Reading’s box. They almost found a way through, but Pereira, Reading’s solid goalkeeper, claimed the ball before any serious danger could develop.
As the first half came to a close, Reading regained momentum. Savage nearly connected with Smith from a cross, and Elliott had a crack from outside the box that went wide. Despite a flurry of action, neither side could find the back of the net before halftime.
Half-time: Reading 0-0 Charlton Athletic
The second half started a bit slower for the Royals, but a corner 10 minutes in gave them a chance. Mbengue made a strong run to meet Wing’s delivery, but his header barely skimmed the ball, and the opportunity slipped away.
Charlton responded with a big chance of their own. Docherty lined up a half-volley inside the box, but the Reading defense was quick to shut him down, and the shot flew high over the bar.
Charlton’s supporters started to find their voices, and the Addicks put Reading under pressure around the hour mark. But the Royals responded brilliantly, and that’s when the magic happened.
Charlie Savage, with a ton of space, carried the ball for nearly 20 yards before launching a rocket of a shot from distance. The ball smashed in off the post, sending the Reading fans wild as they took a 1-0 lead!
There was a scary moment when Bindon was involved in a heavy collision that required medical attention, but thankfully, he was able to get back on his feet to loud applause from the crowd. Dean came on as his replacement for the final stretch of the game.
Charlton tried to claw their way back into the match, but Akande nearly put it to bed with a spectacular effort, dispossessing the goalkeeper and almost slotting it into an open net. However, Charlton’s Ramsay somehow got back just in time to stop him, though many felt Ramsay had fouled Akande in the process.
That drama quickly faded as Reading soon doubled their lead with a brilliant team goal. Akande, once again the creator, weaved his way down the right wing before delivering a perfect pass into the box. Smith arrived in the right spot and coolly finished to make it 2-0, putting the game out of Charlton’s reach.
In the final minutes, Charlton tried to throw everything they had at Reading, but the Royals stayed composed, defending every attack and confidently seeing out the match.
Full-time: Reading 2-0 Charlton Athletic
It was an impressive display from the Royals, with Savage and Smith both delivering when it mattered. Reading’s defense held strong, and their attacking play was a joy to watch, securing all three points in a convincing performance.
Team line-ups
Reading: Pereira, Dorsett (Abrefa 61’), Elliott, Craig, Savage, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith, Bindon (Dean 72’), Mbengue, Wing, Akande (Tuma 85’)
Subs: Boyce-Clarke, Rushesha, Wareham, Garcia
Goals: Savage (66’), Smith (75’)
Yellows: Mbengue (32’), Dean (84’), Smith (77′), Abrefa (90+6′)
Charlton Athletic: Mannion, Ramsay, Gillesphey, Mitchell, Jones, Coventry, Campbell (Godden 67’), Ahadme (Aneke 67’), Berry (Anderson 45’), Docherty, Small
Unused subs: Maynard-Brewer, Edmonds-Green, Campbell, Kanu
Yellows: Berry (19’), Godden (75’), Jones (87′)
