Reading secured a commanding 4‑0 victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade on July 28, 2026, with Jacob Brown striking twice and academy graduate Jerae Jones adding a late brace. The win underlines the Royals’ pre‑season momentum as they gear up for the 2026‑27 League One campaign.

How did the match unfold?

The Royals opened the scoring ten minutes in when Brown flicked a deflected ball past goalkeeper Jordan Wright with the outside of his boot. After a tight first half, Josh Stokes doubled the lead five minutes into the second period, finishing a well‑worked move that involved Andy Rinomhota, Brown and Kyreece Lisbie. Substituted academy product Jerae Jones made an instant impact, volleying home his first goal six minutes after coming on, before sealing the win with a second strike in the 89th minute.

Who shone for Reading?

Brown’s early brace highlighted his growing confidence, while Stokes’ clinical finish showed his value in the attacking mix. Jones, the academy graduate, proved his worth by scoring twice in under ten minutes, a performance that could earn him more first‑team minutes. Defensively, Boyd Beacroft’s block and the overall discipline kept Newport at bay, preserving a clean sheet.

What does this mean for the upcoming season?

The 4‑0 result adds to Reading’s impressive pre‑season form and offers manager Leam Richardson a chance to assess squad depth. With the final league table from 2025 showing Reading finished 12th in League One with 63 points, recent form of LDLLL, the club still aims to improve on a mid‑table finish. The Royals now face Crawley Town before hosting Charlton Athletic at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, matches that will further shape their preparation.

What’s next on the schedule?

Reading will travel to face Mansfield Town away on February 9, 2027, a fixture that pits them against the league’s 10th‑placed side. The upcoming games against Crawley Town and Charlton Athletic will serve as crucial tests before the league campaign kicks off, offering opportunities to fine‑tune tactics and solidify the starting XI.

Key stats: Jacob Brown (11′, 50′), Josh Stokes (50′), Jerae Jones (68′, 89′). Attendance recorded at 1,718 spectators. The match forms part of a broader pre‑season schedule designed to boost fitness and cohesion ahead of a new campaign.