Back to winning ways in RG2
A late Harvey Knibbs penalty secured all three points for Noel Hunt's Royals.
Charlie Savage got the game underway, with the Royals kicking towards the South Stand – with us starting brightly in the opening minutes despite not mustering any clear-cut chances.
The Royals boasted the majority of possession for the first 15 minutes. Despite this, the first sight of goal came fell to Bolton Wanderers and Aaron Collins, as his left footed strike from outside the box narrowly evaded the post.
The Royals responded well, as a neat switch of play and quick one-two between Savage and Camara saw the Welshman send a deep cross in to the Bolton box. Campbell rose well for the header but unfortunately straight at (former Royal) Southwood in goal.
A few minutes later, Bolton tried their luck from distance again as Josh Sheehan fizzed a powerful effort wide.
As the clock drew towards 30 minutes, some terrific defending from Michael Craig saw him track back and prevent a clear sight on goal for Abeboyejo. Our no.5 then quickly regained his footing to clear the ball to safety. A few minutes later, some patient possession from The Royals allowed Chem Campbell a pot-shot from the corner of the 18-yard box, which flew over the bar.
On 37 minutes Bolton gave Pereira his first true test of the game. A fortunate ricochet saw Aaron Collins with a clear sight on goal, but our stopper stood tall and thwarted the powerful effort with his legs.
Half time: Reading 0-0 Bolton
Bolton kicked off the second half – The Royals started the second as they did the first, positive build up play but unable to conjure a meaningful opportunity.
On 54 minutes some tenacious play by Craig, Campbell and Wing created a half chance for Wing on the corner of the box. His left footed strike was diverted high by the Bolton defender and looped just over the bar. Shortly later, the same attitude to press saw the Royals seize the ball on the edge of the box. Campbell, Wareham and Camara raced to score with one of them getting a toe to the ball, squeezing it under the goalkeeper only for a last gasp intervention from the Bolton defender to stop a goal.
The Royals crowd were up, and the game became stretched. Pereira stood tall to divert Collins’ effort from a tight angle, moments before Bolton stuck the crossbar with a free kick from the corner of the box.
The game settled down and both sides made substitutions. On 74 minutes a high cross in from Wing saw Southwood fail to collect, the ball fell to Savage outside the box but bounced awkwardly and the midfielder’s effort flew wide.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, Bolton carved their best chance of the game so far. Some passes down the right saw Collins through on goal, but the forward could only place the shot wide.
As the game drew to a close, a free kick from Lewis Wing saw the Bolton defender invertedly handle the ball. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Harvey Knibbs stepped up and cool as you like slid the ball in to the bottom left hand corner. 1-0 to the Royals!
Moments later The Royals forced themselves in to another chance – Wareham squeezed a shot at goal from close range but the ball somehow bobbled wide. 5 minutes of additional time were indicated by the 4th official, as Reading looked to hold on the three points. Bolton forced themselves forward but to no avail as the Royals stood firm for a huge victory.
Final score: Reading 1-0 Bolton
Reading: Pereira, Craig, Dean, Knibbs, Savage, Wareham, Campbell (Holzman 90’), Bindon, Camara (Ehibhatiomhan 69’), Wing ©, Garcia (Abrefa 69’)
Subs: Button, Rushesha, Kanu, Sackey
Goals: Knibbs 89’ (Pen)
Yellows: Craig 81’
Bolton: Southwood, Murphy (Schon 66’), Thomason (Morley 77’), Johnston, Sheehan, Adeboyejo (Etete 66’), Dacres-Cogley (Osei-Tutu 83’), Forrester, Toal, Collins, Randall (McAtee 77’)
Subs: Baxter, Jones,
Yellows: Thomason 73’,