Reading must find a way to win on the road to turn their promising start into a genuine promotion push. Full-back Haydon Roberts delivered that assessment after the team's strong home form contrasted with their away struggles this season.
Reading sit eighth in standings with 10 points from six games, having scored 14 goals, the joint-second highest total in the division. Their last result was a 2-0 home win over Notts County, where Jack Marriott scored twice to take his season tally to eight goals in six appearances. Yet they have failed to win either of their two away fixtures, averaging 1.5 goal minutes in those matches. The immediate test is this Saturday's trip to face Wycombe Wanderers, who are 14th.
"At home we look really strong," Roberts told reporters. "Away, we just need to tidy a few things up."
The 24-year-old defender, who joined from Bristol City in January, believes the squad has the depth to compete. He highlighted the attacking options of Marriott, Jacob Brown and Jamie Reid. "All three of those strikers would start at other clubs in this division," Roberts said. "And we're grateful to have all three of them."
Manager Leam Richardson also has a fully fit Andy Rinomhota and new signing George Earthy impressing in midfield. This strength was absent at the end of last season, when Reading lost their final six matches to finish 12th. This season's squad aims to avoid a similar collapse.
A win at Adams Park would solidify their top-eight position and demonstrate they can perform away from the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Reading's recent form shows three wins from their last five, but both defeats came on the road. Their next challenge is to turn that around, starting at Wycombe, a key moment to improve their stats on the road.
