READING FC defeated Stevenage 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, securing back-to-back league wins for the first time since December 2022.
The Royals profited from a moment of madness from Nathan Thompson as the Boro defender, who was already on a yellow card, brought down Harvey Knibbs and was subsequently given his marching orders.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan duly grabbed his first league goal of the season in first half stoppage time, as he rose highest to meet a Charlie Savage corner and powered a header past Krisztian Hegyi.
The forward doubled his tally in the second half, pouncing on an Mbengue shot that was only partially dealt with by the Boro ‘keeper.
David Button 7: Pulled off two strong saves to keep out Aaron Pressley and Jordan Roberts in the first half.
Matty Carson 6: Bright going forward and gained confidence throughout the game. Misjudged a dangerous-looking ball over the top in the first half, which fortunately came to nothing.
Tyler Bindon 7.5: Dominant in the air and commanded his zone with authority. Confident on the ball. Is flourishing at the heart of Reading’s defence alongside Nelson Abbey.
Nelson Abbey 7: Another assured performance from the on-the-day skipper, covering the ground quickly and never giving Stevenage’s front line a sniff.
Amadou Mbengue 7.5: Brilliant. Got forward well in the opening stages, flashing some dangerous-looking box into the middle before creating Reading’s second goal.
Charlie Savage 6: Set the tempo for the team well. Went about his business quietly, but is proving to be the main link between Reading’s defence and attack. Rarely gave away possession.
Sam Hutchinson 6.5: The youthful side needed an experienced head in the centre of the park and the midfielder offered just that. Put himself about and played some nice passes.
Harvey Knibbs 6: Made a positive start to the game, pouncing on anything that came within his vicinity. Took a knock and was unfortunately replaced in the first half.
Mamadi Camara 6: A little quieter today, but still put in a steady performance. Never afraid to carry the ball forward himself and picked up spaces between the lines well.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 8: Took his goal brilliantly, powering a bullet header past Hegyi. Got into some decent positions and held the ball up well with his back to goal.
Caylan Vickers 6: Worked his socks off, hassling Stevenage’s backline all afternoon. Seemed to have less of an impact as the match wore on, and was replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Substitutes:
Femi Azeez 6.5: Got into some great positions and did excellently to set Mukairu up for what should have been a third goal.
Paul Mukairu 6: Some exciting bursts forward from the left side of Reading’s midfield. Missed a great chance to get on the scoresheet, mistiming a shot from inside the six-yard box.
Andy Yiadom: N/A
Tom McIntyre: N/A
Ben Elliott: N/A
