It was the tale of two kickers at Holme Park, with Reading fly-half Jason Donnelly missing every one of his several kicks, whilst Witney’s Henry Lamb was consistent with his boot.

Paul Gaster’s men started well and dominated the opening exchanges of the game as they looked to get their first win of the season on the board.

Donnelly missed two penalties early on but the hosts strong start was eventually rewarded in the 10th minute when Stuart Borthwick and centre Peter Czernuzska combined to feed Sean Kenneally, who drove over the line.

Donnelly was again off target for Reading as he missed the conversion but it was a solid, spirited start by the hosts and there was nothing to suggest that they wouldn’t score again all game.

As Witney started to find their feet, Lamb stuck the first of four penalties over the posts to reduce the deficit.

Moments later, Donnelly was again off target with his fourth kick of the game to let the visitors off the hook once again.

And Witney took advantage. Lamb fired over twice either side of half-time to put his side into a 9-5 lead.

Reading pushed on in the second-half but were struggling to create opportunities against a resolute Witney defence.

The visitors were organised and disciplined without the ball, and patient with it as they kicked several penalties to touch looking to slow the game down.

Witney did eventually extend their lead when Lamb was again spot on with his boot, after Reading’s Ricky Wilson was yellow carded.

The visitors rarely came under any pressure in the closing stages as they saw the game out with relative comfort to condemn Reading to their fourth defeat from four games this season.

Reading travel to Swindon on Saturday.