Reading ended their 2023/24 League One campaign with an emphatic 3-2 win over play-off chasing Blackpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

A season-high crowd of almost 18,500 turned out to celebrate Dia Del Jefe, a Spanish-themed occasion as thanks to manager Ruben Selles.

Despite falling behind early to Karamoko Dembele's strike; Sam Smith, Harvey Knibbs and Femi Azeez ensured the atmosphere was one of celebration after a long and tumultuous season back in the third tier.

Strolling out in their new shirt for next season, there was a sense of optimism and hope in the air for both teams.

Blackpool’s hopes of a play-off finish to a massive leap closer to reality within four minutes as Dembele slammed the Tangerines into an early lead after Reading failed to clear their lines.

It did not take long for the hope to be drained, however, as results elsewhere began falling against the visitors and Reading created chances of their own. Femi Azeez dragged an effort wide after 12 minutes and Harvey Knibbs should have tapped the Royals level on the 20-minute mark after Azeez drilled a cross to the back post but the midfielder could only divert wide.

Clear chances were at a premium as the half wore on with neither side seemingly too concerned with changing the scoreline. Kyle Joseph had a sight of goal when Jeriel Dorsett lost possession in Reading territory, but Joel Pereria was on hand to spare the defender’s blushes.

As the stoppage time board was held aloft to indicate three minutes, Azeez jinked inside from the left and chipped a cross into the box, where Smith was on hand to head past Daniel Grimshaw and level the scores.

Both sides emerged from the tunnel in the second half with intent to win the game, and it proved a treat for the majority of those in attendance. Hayden Coulsen had a guilt-edged chance to put the visitors ahead 10 minutes into the game, but the second half firmly belonged to the hosts.

With 20 minutes remaining, Reading edged in front through Knibbs after winning possession deep in their own half and switching play to substitute Mamadi Camara. The youngster found Knibbs and after some clever build-up around the box, the top scorer slammed his effort into the top corner.

Blackpool were rocked and the roof blew off the SCL Stadium just three minutes later as Azeez tapped in at the back post following more clever and quick play from the Royals. It was a sign for many visitors to head to the exit having seen any faint hopes of a top-six finish vanish in the space of five second-half minutes.

Jordan Gabriel pulled one back in stoppage time in bizarre fashion as Pereira cleared a passback into the body of the onrushing forward before rebounding into the net.

Neil Critchley's side were unable to muster a response and the departing Tom Holmes entered the fray to a standing ovation, his final run-out before his move to Luton Town.

After 46 matches and six points deducted, Reading finished 16th in League One and eight points clear of the dreaded relegation zone.