The men in amber lined up at a packed abbey stadium as the U’s took on Reading in front of the Sky TV cameras. Despite being live on sky, the crowd was an impressive 6789 including around 1100 Reading supporters. The atmosphere was terrific. Only one change for the U’s, keeper Jack Stevens had picked up a groin injury but the impressive Will Mannion deputised. New signing John Kymu Gordon was on the bench. For the visitors, former U Harvey Knibbs lined up but Sam Smith was out injured.
The home side kicked off towards the visiting fans in front of 4 stands of very noisy support. From the off Sullay Kaikai had the visiting defence tied up in knots as he crossed for Gassan Ahadme to head goal-wards from a few yards out, giant keeper Button saved but needed Dean to boot the ball off the line. That was close. Moments later Danny Andrew fired high and wide and after being set up by James Brophy. Vickers had a shot blocked, winning a corner. Dean’s resulting header was well wide. A number of fouls held up play before Dean had another header, this time well saved by Will Mannion. Kaikai was on the receiving end of some tough treatment and forced referee Drysdale to show the yellow card to Dean of Reading.
On 30 minutes Azeez of Reading fired in an effort saved by Mannion, the rebound fell to Vickers, again saved low down by the keeper, as the ball ran loose, Elliot fired in a third effort which Mannion clung onto. Following a corner Liam Bennett fired in an effort but although close the ball fired just wide. This pulsating end to end game between two well matched sides saw further action on 35 when Paul Digby headed just wide following a corner. The U’s had further corners which saw Ahadme head wide then George Thomas head wide from just a couple of yards out. James Brophy was making a good impression with several runs down the wing, on this occasion teeing himself up but dragged his shot wide. To finish an entertaining half Jack Lankaster fired just over. Half time came at 0-0.
The second half started in similar vein with both sides attacking each other into what was turning out to be an entertaining game. Both sets of supporters were still in full voice. Reading showed attacking intent and gained a couple of corners but both were cleared. Jack Lankester had a shot which was blocked, gaining a corner. As the U’s attacked, the NRE was in full voice. United had a couple of corners themselves, the second seeing Ahadme heading just wide. Paul Digby fired in an effort from outside the box but Button saved easily. George Thomas fired a good chance just wide before the visitors changed Carson and Elliott with Yiadom and star Ehibgatiomhan. Michael Morrison was then booked for the U’s for delaying a free kick.
Savage crossed for big defender Dean to head just over, that was close. Reading who up till now looked a decent passing side blotted their copybook with some cynical fouls with Hutchinson deliberately tripping Brophy and being booked before Yiadom was yellow carded for tripping the fleet footed winger. Thomas then shot over for the U’s before the home side made a triple change on 70; Kachunga, Kymani-Gordon (KG) and Okenabirhie replacing Ahadme, Kaikai and Lankaster. KG and Okenabirhie were straight in the game having shots blocked. United had named a powerful bench and it showed as the home side got on top. Savage of Reading can count himself lucky following a crude challenge on Kachunga, it looked a red but impressive referee Drysdale showed a yellow.
The end to end play continued with Andrew shooting over before Azeez fired in an effort saved low down by Mannion. For the visitors, Mola and Craig replaced Salic-Mbengue and Savage who was roundly booed as he left the field. Rushesta replaced Azeez for Reading before the U’s struck on 83. Following good midfield play, Brophy took on defenders before crossing for Okenabirhie to lash the ball into the roof of the net for 1-0. The abbey erupted as the majority of the crowd got to their feet. The U’s played out the remainder of the game carefully as 6 added minutes were shown. This was safely negotiated save for a cross from Ehibgatiomhan crossing for Knibbs to fire against the underside of the bar as Mannion collected the ball he was fouled by Dean. Referee Drysdale had given a free kick for either the foul on the goalkeeper or a foul on Bennett as the cross came over. Moments later and that was it
It had been a thoroughly professional performance against, at times, decent opposition. Reading let themselves down with too many fouls but this United team show they have what it takes. Weekend break this Saturday before a cup game at not so posh and a league game at Wigan. In all honesty we look OK.
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