Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan scored his first league brace to seal a 2-0 win over 10-man Stevenage to make it two wins in a row.

The forward netted in each half as Ruben Selles' men controlled large portions of the game, especially after Nathan Thompson's first half sending off.

Getting underway in glorious sunshine, the 10,000+ in attendance were treated to an end-to-end encounter from the first minute to the last. It took Reading under two minutes for their first sniff of an attack, however, Amadou Mbengue’s cross could only find the arms of the busy Krisztian Hegyi. On six minutes Ehibhatiomhan had his first of many chances, getting on the end of Mamadi Camara’s cutback before narrowly firing wide of the post.

Injuries and long-term breaks slowed the tempo down and the atmosphere quietened before the visitors got a foothold in the game. Jordan Roberts was busy for Stevenage and blazed an effort over the bar from close range for their first sight of goal.

The momentum of the game shifted two minutes later as the former Portsmouth captain saw red for two bookable offences, putting the ball firmly back in Reading’s court. That didn’t stop Boro from keeping things competitive, and they should have taken the lead on the half-hour mark as Aaron Pressley’s powerful header was tipped onto the post by an impressive David Button. Jake Forster-Caskey, son and step-son of former Royals legends Darren Caskey and Nicky Forster respectively, should have put Steve Evans’ side in front on the stroke of half-time, firing a tame free-header straight at Button.

However, it was the hosts who took the lead deep into stoppage time as Ehibahtiomhan connected well with Charlie Savage’s corner to break the deadlock against the ten men.

The 10 men tired drastically as the game went on and most of the second half was a foregone conclusion. The Boro failed to pick themselves back and managed to create very little in the second period despite showing plenty of endeavour. The Royals smelt blood against their numerically disadvantaged opponent and looked to put them to the sword. However, despite dominating possession and looking threatening, shots on goal were few and far between. Ehibhatiomhan grabbed his brace on the hour mark after Mbengue’s determined drive and shot fell perfectly for the Academy graduate in front of an open net.

It knocked the stuffing out of the in-form visitors allowed Ruben Selles to give debuts to recent signings Paul Mukairu and Ben Elliott. Femi Azeez, a first half substitute for the injured Harvey Knibbs, should have added a third with 15 minutes remaining after a strong run from Andy Yiadom and clever cutback, but the winger managed to hit the body of Hegyi between the sticks.

Azeez attempted to become provider shortly before the end, bursting free of the defender and picking out debutant Mukariu, only for the FC Copenhagen loanee to let the ball run under his foot and away from danger.

Ehibhatiomhan was cruelly denied his first professional hattrick right at the death as the offside flag was raised mid-celebration, which would have royally rounded off a composed display.

Rounding off a mixed week, with the club also deducted a point for financial issues on Wednesday less than 24 hours after the club picked up their first win of the season against Cheltenham Town, the Royals have a clear week until travelling to Exeter City on Bank Holiday weekend.

A sell-out contingent of over 1,400 supporters will be travelling to Devon, battling train strikes.