Reading FC cruise past Huddersfield Town in Championship

More than 5,000 tickets were sold to local schools and clubs, increasing the attendance to over 17,000.

Tom McIntyre, an own goal and Yakou Meite completed the rout as the Yorkshire outfit remain in the bottom three under new boss Mark Fotheringham.

Tom Lees pulled a consolation back in stoppage time, but it was merely a footnote.

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Getting off to a stop start encounter, both Sam Hutchinson and Carroll spent time on the floor nursing injuries. However, it didn’t take long for the Royals to find their stride, and when they did, they looked dangerous. Junior Hoilett was a constant threat down the right-hand side, clipping balls into the box but early on it just was not coming off. On the 20-minute mark, the Canada international saw his near-post cross diverted wide by Jeff Hendrick- but they wouldn’t have to wait long to celebrate the opener.

Seconds before the clock turned to 30 minutes, a Tom Ince corner was nodded home by McIntyre to give the hosts a well-deserved lead. Rather than sit back, Reading smelt blood and looked even more dangerous than previously. Five minutes later, McIntyre floated a ball over the Terriers midfield to find an unmark Hendrick. The Republic of Ireland international drove in toward the box and delivered a powerful cross, which was bundled over the line by Huddersfield defender Michail Helik for an own goal. Many around the ground felt it was game over on the stroke of half-time as former Huddersfield star Tom Ince curled a free kick into the side netting, sending the supporters at the far side into hysterics, only to realise shortly after.

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The second half, not full of as much flair or attacking play, was a matter of seeing out the win and clean sheet. Carroll directed a header across goal from a free kick and Tom Holmes put it on target, unfortunately it did not have the power to beat Lee Nicholls in the net. That was to be the extent of goal mouth action in a war of attrition. Huddersfield winger Sorba Thomas increased his involvement during the second half, providing a consistent threat down the right. His crosses, varied throughout, were always just in front or behind the man he was aiming for as it continued to be a frustrating afternoon for new manager Fortheringham.

Royals skipper Andy Yiadom was taken off with an injury in the final half hour, and replacement Tyrese Fornah looked to set Lucas Joao free whenever possible, but the Angolan was rarely on the same wavelength. In the final 10 minutes Reading notched the third in a passage of play which summed up the half. Luke Mbete gave the ball straight to Ince deep in the visitors half and the substitute Meite runs onto the through ball. It looks like it’s heading into the arms of Nicholls, only for him the fumble the ball and leave the Ivorian with an open goal for his first of the season.

Those hardy Terriers who stayed to the end were rewarded in stoppage time as Tom Lees headed home a Sorba Thomas corner to get on the scoresheet.

It could not dampen spirits in RG2, however, as the whistle went shortly after to confirm a return to winning ways on home turf.

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Marking the beginning of a hectic period, with 10 games remaining in October, Ince's Royals remain in an unlikely promotion race in the early stages of the campaign.