Academy graduate shares his joy at breaking his Royals duck with a stunning strike against Hull
A local lad, coming through the Academy from the youngest age groups, representing the side that he supported… every kid’s dream, and Tom Holmes is living it.
The long-awaited first goal is finally here. Goal-lines clearances and incredible shot-stopping have prevented that maiden strike from Holmes coming any earlier. But when it came, it was something special… a bicycle kick slammed in from close range against Hull City.
“I’m over the moon with it!” Tom said. “I was surprised when it went in, but I was delighted with it and it was special to do it with my teammates and who have always been encouraging me. They knew I’ve got it within me.
“I had family and friends here which made it even more special. It would have been even better if we’d gone on to win the game, but it is still a special moment.
“I hadn’t really thought much about scoring this season, because I didn’t score last year. So it is a pleasant surprise.
“Growing up I’ve played in all the positions – I’m comfortable with the ball at my feet and doing things, so that was probably calling upon my earlier years!”
Sadly, it was only worth a point in the end. Hull struck back through Mallik Wilks, and there were a number of infringements which the officiating team saw nothing sinister in, denying Reading a chance to get a winner from the spot.
“In the second half, we really pushed them well,” continued Holmes. “We had more than enough to go on and win the game – unfortunately a few decisions went against us.
“In games gone by, those games can become like basketball – today I felt we were suffocating them well, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be to get the winner.
“There were some really good performances today from the team. In particular I thought Josh Laurent was incredible with his energy throughout the game – and Scott Dann next to me, with his composure and leadership, second to none.
“It was a good team effort – we controlled the things that we could, and in football sometimes things go against you. But we stayed together as a team and came away with a point.”