Reading lost 2-1 away to Cambridge United after a second-half comeback from the hosts. Two goals from defenders turned the game around after Jack Marriott had given the Royals a first-half lead.
Neil Harris altered his Cambridge side at the break, bringing on Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Shayne Lavery. The changes worked as the U's scored twice in four minutes early in the second period to secure the points.
How the game unfolded
Reading started brightly and created several chances. From a Lewis Wing corner, Udoka Malife had a back-post effort, and George Earthy forced a save from Jake Eastwood. The pressure told in the 38th minute when Jack Marriott found the net to put the visitors ahead. Paddy Lane had a chance to double the advantage before half-time, but his left-footed shot was saved by Eastwood.
Cambridge struggled in the first half, relying on long balls to Gassan Ahadme. Harris's double substitution at half-time changed the game's flow. The equaliser came in the 52nd minute when defender Liam Bennett scored, assisted by Callum Perry. Just four minutes later, another defender, Kell Watts, put the home side in front, with Mpanzu providing the assist.
Reading pushed for an equaliser. Marriott forced another save from Eastwood, and the rebound was turned over by Lane. Kyreece Lisbie saw a shot skid wide, and later, a Udoka Malife cross found substitute Jacob Brown, but his volley went off target. At the other end, Joel Pereira made a good save to deny Shayne Lavery in the 74th minute.
The table and what's next
The defeat leaves Reading 14th in League One with 7 points from their opening 5 games. They are now six points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
Reading's recent form had been strong, with three wins and a draw in their previous four league games before this trip. This result halts that positive momentum. The team must now regroup for their next match at home to Notts County on September 19th. Notts County currently sit 16th, making it a key opportunity for Reading to return to winning ways. Fans can check the upcoming fixtures for all the details.
Over 1,000 Reading supporters made the trip to the Abbey Stadium, part of an attendance of 7,129. The team's next challenge is to convert their home advantage against Notts County and climb back up the table. The full squad available for that game is listed on our squad page.
