Reading FC Match Report: 2015/2016 Season - Championship


CARDIFF 2 READING 0

Reading: --
Cardiff: K Jones (44), M Connolly (53).

Reading's poor run of form continued with a disappointing 0-2 defeat at Cardiff City this weekend. Cardiff's win was enough to lift them above Reading in the table as Reading sunk to 8th place from 2nd place less than a month ago. The Royals are now five games without a win and have picked up just 3 league points from a possible 15. Cardiff City had scored just a single goal in their last nine hours of football before coming up against Reading - and that was an own goal. The home side found the net twice against a below form Reading side - but also had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping their margin of victory intact.

After Tuesday night's 2-2 home draw with Huddersfield, both Fernandez and John were rewarded with places in the starting eleven. Both players transformed Reading when they came off the bench midweek and John scored the vital equaliser and might have secured a later Reading win. However, both players were to have much less impact in this game. Jordan Obita was impressive going forward on Tuesday night but week in defence and found himself swapped with Andrew Taylor. With McShane out injured there was room for both Ferdinand and Hector in Reading's defence - but days of clean sheets and strong defensive performances seem to be in rapid decline.

Kenwyne Jones, making his first start after returning from injury put Cardiff in the lead just before half time. Reading failed to defend a free kick and Jones rose with plenty of space to head past Ali Al Habsi to make it 0-1. Another header eight minutes after half time from a corner was enough to wrap up the victory. Reading replaced Alex Fernandez, Vydra and John with time running out in an attempt to vary the options up front. Williams, Hurtado and Liburd came off the bench, and the Royals did manage to generate some chances. It was Rowan Liburd's first appearance for Reading and only Paolo Hurtado's fifth. However it was another attempt to get something from the game too late and Reading were thwarted by the Cardiff City goalkeeper who made a string of good saves to secure their win.

This Championship game took place 3055 days ago in the 2015/2016 season.