RUBEN Selles’ first outing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium ended in defeat as Reading lost 4-2 to Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Saints raced into a 2-0 lead as centre-half Jan Bednarek opened the scoring with a deflected header before James Ward Prowse tapped in from close range.
But the Royals fought back with new signings Sam Smith and Harvey Knibbs combining for a breakaway goal finished by the latter to drag their side back into the contest.
Adam Armstrong restored the visitors’ two-goal lead with a well-struck side-footed effort soon after the break before substitute Joe Aribo made it 4-1. Reading trialist Olamide Shodipo squeezed home a late consolation goal.
Bouzanis 6: Made a handful of smart saves in the first half before being replaced by Andresson at half time.
Guinness-Walker 5: Had the unenviable task of marking Tella in the first period. Could have done a better to cut off the cross before Saints’ second goal.
Holmes 5: Should have been more alert to prevent the ball reaching Ward-Prowse in the box for his goal.
McIntyre 5: A quiet display from the centre-back. Looked a little short of pace when tracking runners in behind.
Abrefa 4: The youngster has shown some positive signs in pre-season so far but struggled to match the guile of Sekou Mara and Sam Amo-Ameyaw down Saints’ left.
Rushesha 4: Worked hard, but was left chasing shadows for large portions of the game and couldn’t really get near Southampton’s midfield.
Senga 5: Showed why he’s highly rated by many at the club with some neat play but understandably struggled against players who
Azeez 5: Grew into the game and should have got on the scoresheet when he was played through on goal after an error in Saints’ back line.
Knibbs 6: Took his goal well, slotting past Bazunu in the first half. Pressed high and already looks to be a decent addition to the squad.
Smith 7: Did brilliantly to break free and set up Knibbs’ goal. Chased down balls into the channel all afternoon.
Ehibhatiomhan 4: Not the forward’s most effective performance. Struggled to get into the game.
Substitutes:
Shodipo 6: Took his goal well, squeezing past Bazunu after cutting in from the left.
Andresson 6: Made some strong reflex saves from close range.
Vickers 4: Wasn’t given the licence to create openings after coming on.
Carson, Borgnis, Djorkaeff, Dorsett, Vickers, Bindon, Camara, Abbey: N/A
