Resolute Reading came from behind to beat newly-relegated Huddersfield Town 2-1 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, ending a two-game losing run.
Falling behind to Matt Pearson's header, Harvey Knibbs and Ben Elliott netted either side of the break to turn the result on its head.
Dominant from early on in proceedings, it took Huddersfield six minutes to fashion the first effort on target as Josh Koroma fizzed a shot low to David Button’s right however the keeper remained untested.
Reading had flashes, but in truth the visitors took control of the match and dictated the flow for much of the afternoon. Marshall should have done better for the Terriers on 15 minutes, intercepting a lax pass from Lewis Wing and driving towards the Royals box but his effort flew into the arms of the keeper with little danger.
Reading supporters had hardly had a chance to take down their red cards, which were held up in protest to owner Dai Yongge, before Button was picking the ball out of his net. Winning a free kick on the edge of the box, Antony Evans stepped up and bent a shot looked certain to nestle in the net. Button pulled off an excellent save to keep out the initial attempt, but the defenders were slow to react, and Pearson was jogging on the spot to convert the rebound.
Fearing the worst, a pin drop could be heard around the stadium, but not for long. Winning the ball back high, a trademark of Ruben Selles teams, Knibbs rode a challenge in the box and slammed past Jacob Chapman at the near post to level the scores somewhat against the run of play.
Brodie Spencer and Evans again came close, but the Royals battled and went in at half-time level.
Reading emerged from the break much stronger, and the second period proved a much closer affair. Played predominantly in the midfield, neither side created a glut of goal-scoring opportunities, but the game proved an exciting watch. Pearson thought he had grabbed himself a brace within four minutes of the restart, but his header was ruled out for offside.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Royals edged their noses in front. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Lewis Wing linked up well from a short corner and a deflection put the ball into Elliott’s path just inside the box. Taking a step inside, he cut a strike back across goal and past Chapman before wheeling off to celebrate by the corner flag.
Button was tested on occasion, with Evans looking dangerous throughout, but bodies were thrown in the way of shots and the boys in blue and white were evidently fighting for the badge and the 11,000 home supporters in attendance.
Camped in the Reading half for the final 15 minutes, the Royals battled heroically and didn't allow Michael Duff's men a second to think on the ball.
After six minutes of additional time, the whistle blew and signalled a return to winning ways ahead of a busy month of eight fixtures in October.
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