Reading’s rotten away form continued at Blackpool, losing 4-1 as veteran forward Jordan Rhodes netted a hattrick.

The 16th consecutive league away match without victory, it came just four days after a 9-0 win at Exeter City in the EFL Trophy.

In an even opening to proceedings, it was Reading who had the first major opening of the exchange as Tyler Bindon found Dom Ballard with a long ball. Bringing it down well, the Southampton loanee could only find the arms of keeper Daniel Grimshaw. The game all changed on the 20-minute mark, as CJ Hamilton was brought down recklessly by Sam Hutchinson. Rhodes stepped up and converted, only narrowly however as David Button got a hand to it. From the moment the ball hit the net, the Tangerines were in control and almost scored at will.

Seven minutes later a deep corner was recycled and Kousassi was on hand to head past Button at the back post. It was only four minutes until the net rippled once again, Rhodes grabbing his brace after a mix-up between Bindon and Clinton Mola. Three down with only 30 minutes gone, the game was over, but it did not stop Reading moving forward. Pushing for a goal, it was the hosts who remained the most dangerous and both Kouassi and Matty Virtue came close to adding fourth goals.

Already down and out, Reading continued to push for a goal to give to the 600+ travelling fans, with Ballard twisting and turning on the edge of the box just five minutes after the break, but never truly gave Grimshaw much of a challenge. Within 60 seconds the hosts killed the game off, Rhodes rolling back the years and netting his first Blackpool hattrick with a strike from the edge of the box. The Tangerines weren’t done there, forcing Button to scrabble across his line only for a volley to fly wide. In a tame second half, the best chances of the half fell to Charlie Savage, who fired a shot on target, before Hutchinson’s cross was diverted into their own net for a late consolation on the Fylde coast.

Returning to home comforts on Saturday, Burton Albion visit Berkshire as both sides are in desperate need for a league victory.