Reading FC Away Day Guide: Oxford United to Burton Albion

Despite all the fear and uncertainty off the field, supporters always have the prospect of away days to look forward.

From trips to the capital to a trip to Cumbria, fans will experience it all over the next nine months.

Follow along in this latest series as we look at the 23 away days on offer.

In the final part, we focus on the nine games from February until April.

FEBRUARY

Oxford United- Kassam Stadium

The one everyone has waited for, the first competitive derby with the U's since 2002.

Bound to be a sell-out, Royals fans can't wait to visit their three-sided home.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 49 minutes

Last Meeting: Oxford United 0-2 Reading; April 17, 2001

Recommended Away Pub: George Inn [could change due to profile of fixture]

Fleetwood Town- Highbury Stadium

A first-ever visit to the Cod Army in any competition, a midweek on the Fylde Coast in February is not the most appealing to supporters.

However, many a ground-hopper will love to cross off the home of Fleetwood.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 4 hours, 19 minutes

Last Meeting: n/a

Recommended Away Pub: Jim's Sports Bar

Portsmouth- Fratton Park

A historic ground on the South-Coast, it has been over a decade since a league meeting with Pompey.

Who can forget the 7-4 thriller with Portsmouth in 2007- yet another high-scoring classic that the Royals came out on the wrong side of.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Last Meeting: Portsmouth 1-0 Reading; August 16, 2011

Recommended Away Pub: Good Companion

MARCH

Carlisle United- Brunton Park

The northern-most away match of the season for Reading, supporters will be certain to make a weekend of the trip to Cumbria.

With only five visits to Brunton Park since 1962, it's been over 40 years since the last visit.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 5 hours, 7 minutes

Last Meeting: Carlisle United 2-1 Reading; March 23, 1982

Recommended Away Pub: Carlisle Rugby Club

Derby County- Pride Park

Another regular opponent in the last 20 years, the Rams have navigated their way through tough times on the field and look to return to the upper echelons of the game.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Last Meeting: Derby County 1-0 Reading; September 29, 2021

Recommended Away Pub: Alexandra Hotel

Bristol Rovers- Memorial Ground

A Reading season would not be complete without a trip down the M4 to Bristol, but for the first time in over 20 years it is the Mem, and not Ashton Gate, that the Royals will be gracing.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 1 hour, 22 minutes

Last Meeting: Bristol Rovers 2-2 Reading; December 26, 2000

Recommended Away Pub: The Wellington

APRIL

Bolton Wanderers- ToughSheet Stadium

A ground known universally as the Reebok for their successful days in the Premier League, the Trotters are another side used to playing Reading.

But let's not mention the 1995 play-off final...

Drive time [at time of writing]: 3 hours, 37 minutes

Last Meeting: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Reading; January 29, 2019

Recommended Away Pub: The Barnstormers

Barnsley- Oakwell

Unbeaten at Oakwell in over 20 years, the Tykes are regular opponents for Royals supporters.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 3 hours, 24 minutes

Last Meeting: Barnsley 1-1 Reading; April 2, 2022

Recommended Away Pub: The Dove Inn

Burton Albion- The Pirelli Stadium

The Brewers have had a meteoric rise from non-league to the Championship under Nigel Clough, and have now stabilised as a third tier side.

Yet to drop points in two visits, Royals fans will be hoping for an inflatables day to remember.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 2 hours, 31 minutes

Last Meeting: Burton 1-3 Reading; January 30, 2018

Recommended Away Pub: The Great Northern

Click here to catch up on part one and part two of the look at upcoming away matches.