Reading won their first away match in over 12 months, beating near-neighbours Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 at Adams Park.

Sam Smith and Lewis Wing did the damage in an action-packed first half where Killian Phillips quickly cancelled out the opener.

In a slow start to the game for both sides, most of the entertainment came from the crowd with plenty of back-and-forth between those from the two counties. It took until the 16th minute for the first effort of the game, with Taffazoli heading over the bar from close range at a corner. The most unfortunate moment of the game came a few minutes later as Dom Ballard was stretchered off the pitch following a deflected shot. Requiring gas and air while being taken off, the teenager had just scored a hattrick for England Under-19s during the international break.

 Reading responded best to the lengthy delay and put their noses ahead moments later as Wycombe goalkeeper Max Stryjek saw his pass intercepted and Femi Azeez’s shot was tapped in on the goal line by in-form Smith. The travelling supporters’ joy was to be short-lived, however, as Phillips bent an effort into the far corner and past David Button, shushing the Royals fans behind the goal in celebration. Phillips was the quiet one shortly before the break as former Chairboy Wing had his powerful effort diverted goalwards by Tafazolli and nestle in the net to restore a deserved lead.

Unsurprisingly, the hosts came out of the traps fastest in the second half and looked to equalise for a second time. They very nearly did so after David Wheeler slammed the post with an effort inside the box. In a topsy-turvy period, Reading had numerous chances to clinch the game with the killer third goal but saw it go begging. Azeez, Harvey Knibbs and Smith all saw clear chances end in the arms of the keeper. Lyle Taylor and Garath McCleary both threatened to equalise ahead of stoppage time, but a resolute backline repelled most that was thrown in their direction. Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield attempted to change the flow of the game, adapting his formation to bring on more firepower, but the Royals always looked most likely to find the elusive third goal.

Still bottom of the league, many will hope that this can prove a turning point in what has been a difficult season in League One. Carlisle United visit the SCL Stadium on Tuesday.