Reading kicked off their home campaign with a bang, securing a solid 2-0 win against Wigan Athletic, thanks to early goals from Charlie Savage and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. The electric atmosphere at the Select Car Leasing Stadium set the tone for what was an action-packed match, with Reading showing they mean business this season.
The Royals wasted no time getting stuck in. Within five minutes, Ehibhatiomhan showed off some serious skills, dancing through Wigan’s defense like they weren’t even there. He cut inside and let fly, forcing Wigan’s keeper, Tickle, into a top save to deny what looked like a certain goal. But Reading fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate.
A few moments later, the deadlock was broken. Lewis Wing floated a beautiful chip to the back post where Ehibhatiomhan rose high, heading the ball across goal. There, unmarked and ready, Savage coolly slotted it home, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Reading kept the pressure on and nearly doubled their lead just five minutes later. Wing whipped in a corner, causing mayhem in Wigan’s box. Shots were flying in, with Camara getting the closest. It looked like his effort crossed the line, but somehow, Wigan scrambled to clear. It was a heart-stopping moment, but Wigan survived—for now.
Wigan didn’t pose much of a threat in the first 20 minutes, but they started to wake up after a chance from Sessegnon. His shot smashed into the side netting, and Reading breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon after, Wigan’s Hugill latched onto a long ball over the top and aimed for the far post. It was Wigan’s best chance so far, but Pereira, Reading’s reliable goalkeeper, was up to the task, making a strong save.
Reading had a few more chances before the break, including one where Sam Smith couldn’t keep his volley down after a pinpoint cross from Ehibhatiomhan. Camara also came close, firing a low shot just wide after some neat link-up play, while Elliott, making an excellent overlapping run, was eager for the pass that never came.
Half-time: Reading 1-0 Wigan Athletic
The second half started just like the first, with Reading controlling possession and looking dangerous. Wigan tried to push down the wings, but Reading’s defense stood strong, shutting down any chance of a comeback.
Then came the moment that sealed the game. Seven minutes into the second half, Elliott slid a perfect pass to Smith, who raced toward goal. Tickle rushed out to block, but the deflection fell kindly to Ehibhatiomhan, who simply tapped the ball into the empty net. It was his second goal of the season, and it couldn’t have been easier!
After that, Wigan seemed to lose their spark. Reading dominated possession and looked in complete control. They kept the ball well, drew fouls, and played like a team that knew they had the win in the bag. The crowd loved every minute of it.
As the game wound down, Wigan still tried to work the flanks, but they just couldn’t find a way past Reading’s defense. Every cross was cleared, every attack shut down, and the Royals earned applause from their supporters with each solid clearance.
In the dying minutes, Azeez almost put the cherry on top with a blistering run through Wigan’s defense. His shot was saved, but not before he showed off some slick skills to turn his defender inside out. He deserved a goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Full-time: Reading 2-0 Wigan Athletic
A professional and confident performance from Reading, who showed they’re ready to challenge this season. With Savage and Ehibhatiomhan both finding the back of the net, and the defense standing firm, it was a brilliant home opener. The Royals march on with three points, and the fans will be hoping for more of the same next time out!
Team line-up
Reading: Pereira, Dorsett (Garcia 74’), Elliott, Craig, Savage, Ehibhatiomhan (Azeez 60’), Smith (Wareham 89’), Bindon, Mbengue, Camara (Abrefa 89’), Wing ©
Subs: Boyce-Clarke, Rushesha, Kanu
Goals: Savage (6’), Ehibhatiomhan (57’)
Wigan Athletic: Tickle, Chambers, Aimson, Sessegnon (Ramsay 60’), Rankine McManaman (60’), Smith (Stones 77’), Hugill, Aasgaard (Sze 60’), Kerr ©, Adeeko, Thomas (Jones 60’)
Unused subs: Lonergan, Carragher
Yellows: Kerr (39’), Aimson (70’), Sze (74’)
