MATCHWATCH : Northampton Town (a)

[Sutekh]

When : Saturday January 31, 2026, 2pm
Where : Sixfields, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5QA
Capacity : 7,798

And now we have a 2pm kick off on a Saturday ostensibly because people in Northampton care more about odd shaped balls (& eggs) than they do about proper football. Yes, because Northampton Saints are playing Leicester about a 20 minute walk to the east of Sixfields we all have to have an earlier kick off time - and not a SKY camera in sight to make up for it. Oh well at least it means finishing and getting away in time for a decent return time in Berkshire, and if Reading could wangle a win out of it, who cares anyway?

After the utter disappointment of the last 2 home games, Reading hit the road and take the 18th best away record in the division with them for what is going to be the first of 3 successive away games. The good news here is that the current average league position of the 3 clubs to be played is 19th and their average position in the divisional home league table is 20th! But as we know Reading have been in this sort of position before and are not immune to bouts of charitable donation so it’s going to have to be heads down and concentrate to try at last to come up with a working team selection that consistently creates opportunities and can take games to opponents.

The lucky three teams to be visited are Northampton, Wimbledon and then Wigan, three teams that have managed just 2 wins in the last 15 league games that they’ve played so prime “watch out - or else” territory. First up is the seasonal trip to Northampton who are on a dreadful run of 2 points from the last 21 available. Their last win was 3-1 at home to Wimbledon on 19th December so, of course, the pressure on Reading not to become the Cobbler’s first league victims of the new year really ramps things up - so best not mention it to anyone at the club.

For the third time in 4 games Reading face a team with 2 former Reading players raring to go. First Tyrese Fornah may well be back after an abductor muscle injury, secondly Nesta Guinness-Walker will be anxious to prove that the force is strong with this one.

In addition to the former player threat is on loan highly rated Leicester City forward Jake Evans, leading scorer Tom Eaves and dangerous midfielders Sam Hoskins and Cameron McGeehan. Finally, helping hold their defence together is Max Dyche, son of Sean, and recent signing from ^xf^rd Elliott Moore.

Reading will probably have a doubt over Daniel Kyerewaa after he hobbled out of the Exeter game but then he's not really contributed as well from the right as he did when he was on the left earlier in the season so hopefully a chance for someone else to really step up on that side. Benn Wright should be registered by the time Saturday comes round and hopefully "with it"after a few training sessions. Both Williams will continue to miss out though there could be a chance that one might be ready for the visit to Wimbledon next week. The transfer window doesn't close until Monday but would suggest Reading are unlikely to add to their squad any further though they are at serious risk of losing Savage and Garcia before the deadline hour.


Referee

Jamie “no relation” O’Connor

Previously

16 Aug 25 Reading 1-2 Wimbledon

Historically

There have been 92 previous league meetings between the two clubs so this will be the 47th trek over to their place but just the 6th league visit to Sixfields. It's not been too bad a venue as Reading have won 2 and lost 2 of the 5 previous league visits to this part of Northampton.

The remaining 41 trips were to the famous old three sided behemoth of the local cricket pitch (which is just to the north east of the town centre if anyone wants to check it out for old time’s sake). Those 41 visits resulted in 14 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats so overall Northampton have been one of the more welcoming sides for Reading, however Northampton do seem to be an opponent that can score goals for fun against Reading, having racked up several 5 goal stuffings down the years.

Last season saw a drab disappointing affair that ended scoreless.

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

[MR. CYNICAL]

When : Saturday January 31, 2026, 2pm
Where : Sixfields, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5QA
Capacity : 7,798

And now we have a 2pm kick off on a Saturday ostensibly because people in Northampton care more about odd shaped balls (& eggs) than they do about proper football. Yes, because Northampton Saints are playing Leicester about a 20 minute walk to the east of Sixfields we all have to have an earlier kick off time - and not a SKY camera in sight to make up for it. Oh well at least it means finishing and getting away in time for a decent return time in Berkshire, and if Reading could wangle a win out of it, who cares anyway?

After the utter disappointment of the last 2 home games, Reading hit the road and take the 18th best away record in the division with them for what is going to be the first of 3 successive away games. The good news here is that the current average league position of the 3 clubs to be played is 19th and their average position in the divisional home league table is 20th! But as we know Reading have been in this sort of position before and are not immune to bouts of charitable donation so it’s going to have to be heads down and concentrate to try at last to come up with a working team selection that consistently creates opportunities and can take games to opponents.

The lucky three teams to be visited are Northampton, Wimbledon and then Wigan, three teams that have managed just 2 wins in the last 15 league games that they’ve played so prime “watch out - or else” territory. First up is the seasonal trip to Northampton who are on a dreadful run of 2 points from the last 21 available. Their last win was 3-1 at home to Wimbledon on 19th December so, of course, the pressure on Reading not to become the Cobbler’s first league victims of the new year really ramps things up - so best not mention it to anyone at the club.

For the third time in 4 games Reading face a team with 2 former Reading players raring to go. First Tyrese Fornah may well be back after an abductor muscle injury, secondly Nesta Guinness-Walker will be anxious to prove that the force is strong with this one.

In addition to the former player threat is on loan highly rated Leicester City forward Jake Evans, leading scorer Tom Eaves and dangerous midfielders Sam Hoskins and Cameron McGeehan. Finally, helping hold their defence together is Max Dyche, son of Sean, and recent signing from ^xf^rd Elliott Moore.

Reading will probably have a doubt over Daniel Kyerewaa after he hobbled out of the Exeter game but then he's not really contributed as well from the right as he did when he was on the left earlier in the season so hopefully a chance for someone else to really step up on that side. Benn Wright should be registered by the time Saturday comes round and hopefully "with it"after a few training sessions. Both Williams will continue to miss out though there could be a chance that one might be ready for the visit to Wimbledon next week. The transfer window doesn't close until Monday but would suggest Reading are unlikely to add to their squad any further though they are at serious risk of losing Savage and Garcia before the deadline hour.


Referee

Jamie “no relation” O’Connor

Previously

16 Aug 25 Reading 1-2 Wimbledon

Historically

There have been 92 previous league meetings between the two clubs so this will be the 47th trek over to their place but just the 6th league visit to Sixfields. It's not been too bad a venue as Reading have won 2 and lost 2 of the 5 previous league visits to this part of Northampton.

The remaining 41 trips were to the famous old three sided behemoth of the local cricket pitch (which is just to the north east of the town centre if anyone wants to check it out for old time’s sake). Those 41 visits resulted in 14 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats so overall Northampton have been one of the more welcoming sides for Reading, however Northampton do seem to be an opponent that can score goals for fun against Reading, having racked up several 5 goal stuffings down the years.

Last season saw a drab disappointing affair that ended scoreless.

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

Forgive me if I'm mistaken but surely the total games played should be an odd number as we've already played them at home this season.

[tidus_mi2]

When : Saturday January 31, 2026, 2pm
Where : Sixfields, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5QA
Capacity : 7,798

And now we have a 2pm kick off on a Saturday ostensibly because people in Northampton care more about odd shaped balls (& eggs) than they do about proper football. Yes, because Northampton Saints are playing Leicester about a 20 minute walk to the east of Sixfields we all have to have an earlier kick off time - and not a SKY camera in sight to make up for it. Oh well at least it means finishing and getting away in time for a decent return time in Berkshire, and if Reading could wangle a win out of it, who cares anyway?

After the utter disappointment of the last 2 home games, Reading hit the road and take the 18th best away record in the division with them for what is going to be the first of 3 successive away games. The good news here is that the current average league position of the 3 clubs to be played is 19th and their average position in the divisional home league table is 20th! But as we know Reading have been in this sort of position before and are not immune to bouts of charitable donation so it’s going to have to be heads down and concentrate to try at last to come up with a working team selection that consistently creates opportunities and can take games to opponents.

The lucky three teams to be visited are Northampton, Wimbledon and then Wigan, three teams that have managed just 2 wins in the last 15 league games that they’ve played so prime “watch out - or else” territory. First up is the seasonal trip to Northampton who are on a dreadful run of 2 points from the last 21 available. Their last win was 3-1 at home to Wimbledon on 19th December so, of course, the pressure on Reading not to become the Cobbler’s first league victims of the new year really ramps things up - so best not mention it to anyone at the club.

For the third time in 4 games Reading face a team with 2 former Reading players raring to go. First Tyrese Fornah may well be back after an abductor muscle injury, secondly Nesta Guinness-Walker will be anxious to prove that the force is strong with this one.

In addition to the former player threat is on loan highly rated Leicester City forward Jake Evans, leading scorer Tom Eaves and dangerous midfielders Sam Hoskins and Cameron McGeehan. Finally, helping hold their defence together is Max Dyche, son of Sean, and recent signing from ^xf^rd Elliott Moore.

Reading will probably have a doubt over Daniel Kyerewaa after he hobbled out of the Exeter game but then he's not really contributed as well from the right as he did when he was on the left earlier in the season so hopefully a chance for someone else to really step up on that side. Benn Wright should be registered by the time Saturday comes round and hopefully "with it"after a few training sessions. Both Williams will continue to miss out though there could be a chance that one might be ready for the visit to Wimbledon next week. The transfer window doesn't close until Monday but would suggest Reading are unlikely to add to their squad any further though they are at serious risk of losing Savage and Garcia before the deadline hour.


Referee

Jamie “no relation” O’Connor

Previously

16 Aug 25 Reading 1-2 Wimbledon

Historically

There have been 92 previous league meetings between the two clubs so this will be the 47th trek over to their place but just the 6th league visit to Sixfields. It's not been too bad a venue as Reading have won 2 and lost 2 of the 5 previous league visits to this part of Northampton.

The remaining 41 trips were to the famous old three sided behemoth of the local cricket pitch (which is just to the north east of the town centre if anyone wants to check it out for old time’s sake). Those 41 visits resulted in 14 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats so overall Northampton have been one of the more welcoming sides for Reading, however Northampton do seem to be an opponent that can score goals for fun against Reading, having racked up several 5 goal stuffings down the years.

Last season saw a drab disappointing affair that ended scoreless.

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

Forgive me if I'm mistaken but surely the total games played should be an odd number as we've already played them at home this season.

[MR. CYNICAL]

Just like to prove someone actually reads those excellent pre match threads thoroughly.

[Clyde1998]

Seems their form completely collapsed when Tyrese Fornah got injured, albeit they've had a difficult run of fixtures.

[Clyde1998]

We look forward to welcoming @ReadingFC fans to Sixfields on Saturday.

Pre-paid tickets can be collected from the away ticket office behind the South Stand from 1pm.

Please note that tickets for away supporters have sold out.

Parking is available for @ReadingFC fans in the North gravel car park at the top of the hill or in the Duston Mill car park (£5).

Please do not use the car parks of other businesses around Sixfields or park in busy residential areas.

@ReadingFC fans are welcome to visit the Red Lion (NN7 4DE), the Foundrymans Arms (NN5 5LE) or the Melbourne Arms (NN5 6HS) for a pre-match drink.

A bar is available to Royals fans inside the stadium as well as homemade food.

Supporters’ coaches will drop @ReadingFC fans off directly outside the away end with pick-up in the same place at full-time.

Programmes will be on sale for £4 from sellers around the ground.

We wish you a safe journey to Sixfields!

[Sutekh]

We look forward to welcoming @ReadingFC fans to Sixfields on Saturday.

Pre-paid tickets can be collected from the away ticket office behind the South Stand from 1pm.

Please note that tickets for away supporters have sold out.

Parking is available for @ReadingFC fans in the North gravel car park at the top of the hill or in the Duston Mill car park (£5).

Please do not use the car parks of other businesses around Sixfields or park in busy residential areas.

@ReadingFC fans are welcome to visit the Red Lion (NN7 4DE), the Foundrymans Arms (NN5 5LE) or the Melbourne Arms (NN5 6HS) for a pre-match drink.

A bar is available to Royals fans inside the stadium as well as homemade food.

Supporters’ coaches will drop @ReadingFC fans off directly outside the away end with pick-up in the same place at full-time.

Programmes will be on sale for £4 from sellers around the ground.

We wish you a safe journey to Sixfields!

What are these?

[morganb]

We look forward to welcoming @ReadingFC fans to Sixfields on Saturday.

Pre-paid tickets can be collected from the away ticket office behind the South Stand from 1pm.

Please note that tickets for away supporters have sold out.

Parking is available for @ReadingFC fans in the North gravel car park at the top of the hill or in the Duston Mill car park (£5).

Please do not use the car parks of other businesses around Sixfields or park in busy residential areas.

@ReadingFC fans are welcome to visit the Red Lion (NN7 4DE), the Foundrymans Arms (NN5 5LE) or the Melbourne Arms (NN5 6HS) for a pre-match drink.

A bar is available to Royals fans inside the stadium as well as homemade food.

Supporters’ coaches will drop @ReadingFC fans off directly outside the away end with pick-up in the same place at full-time.

Programmes will be on sale for £4 from sellers around the ground.

We wish you a safe journey to Sixfields!

What are these?

They are a batch of messages that were posted up on Twitter earlier today by Northampton Town offering tips and advice for Saturday - guess Clyde thought that if anyone isn't on Twitter then posting them here would be helpful

[Sutekh]

What are these?

They are a batch of messages that were posted up on Twitter earlier today by Northampton Town offering tips and advice for Saturday - guess Clyde thought that if anyone isn't on Twitter then posting them here would be helpful

And useful it is, wish more clubs did that sort of thing. Great to see a club that still does match programmes as well (how many clubs are now online or nothing in the programme dept nowadays)?

[Hound]

Yes credit to them. It’s an ok set up there but my lasting memory from last year is that the seats are tiny and narrow. I’m quite a slim person and I was genuinely uncomfortable

For parking I used the JustPark app and got a space at a gym for about a £5, 5 mins from those pubs mentioned

[South Coast Royal]

For games like this it is good to have an old-fashioned 3rd division stopper defender and in O'Connor we have one.
Too early for Ward and a pity that Williams is still injured (it's the Reading way ) as I would much prefer him to Dorsett.

Against a side under Nolan that I expect to be physical and will be battling to get out of the relegation place I'll go for a 1-1 to keep up our draw record in a scrappy game.
Hopefully Reading turn up for the first half especially it being a 2-00 p.m. kick-off.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Why is it too early for Ward? He'll be match fit after playing regularly for Accrington.

[tidus_mi2]

Just hope we do better than the last time we went away to a team bang out of form.

[South Coast Royal]

Why is it too early for Ward? He'll be match fit after playing regularly for Accrington.

Having just a few days with us probably isn't enough to make yet another change to our back 4.

[Sutekh]

Why is it too early for Ward? He'll be match fit after playing regularly for Accrington.

Having just a few days with us probably isn't enough to make yet another change to our back 4.

Depends on the player and how different is what Leam would be asking of him to what he’s been used. He’s got a good chance of being involved, at least on the bench, but we won’t know until tomorrow.