A first win of the season for Reading City who hope to be in the conversation for at least a play-off place come the end of the season after a 1-0 win over Wokingham Town.
The Sumas, arguably will be aiming for similar and started strongest in a game of few chances. The best of the first half falling to Wokingham’s Junior Da Cruz 20 minutes in, requiring an athletic save from Charlie York.
Da Cruz though would be dismissed with a straight red card 20 minutes later for a high boot on Ellis Cowd. The mark on Cowd’s chest clearly evident, but in a game of very little niggle or controversy and no bookings at all (aside from the sin-bin of Shane Cooper-Clark during the incident’s aftermath), for an accidental challenge it seemed in this reporters opinion, harsh.
Reading finished the half stronger, but had been on the front foot prior to Da Cruz’s dismissal, and it was Joel Valentin who broke the deadlock, picking up a rebound from Jenson Mansel’s shot on 64 minutes – Valentin wheeled away behind the goal in celebration which you love to see.
Prior to the opening goal, this game felt like a 0-0, the game being played in the centre of The Rivermoor and neither side could really have complained about a point apiece. That almost was the case when a chance fell to Wokingham captain Sean Moore yards from goal, the ball whipping across the goalmouth but he couldn’t quite react.
It finished 1-0 Reading City, and both sides now move on to the FA Cup at the weekend. Wokingham Town are at home on Friday night (7:45pm) to Corsham Town, while Reading City are back at The Rivermoor (3pm) to face Tring Athletic. All the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round fixtures are here.
