A sunny yet crisp day on home turf for our Cityzens, and Simon Johnson’s squad were prepared and ready for their fifth and final March fixture at the Rivermoor, looking to continue their positive run of form.

Ahead of the clash, the City management staff opted to implement three changes to the side who emerged 2-1 winners against Risborough last Tuesday. Lamin Sankoh, Jay Herbert and Lucas Wynn entered the starting XI in place of Joe Pilling, Lucas Taplin and Eddie Lazarczuk, with the latter two starting out on the bench. They joined Harvey Collins, Bobbi Emery and Pele Hagger as substitutes.

Charlie York, Luke Donville, Ben Holder, Ellis Cowd, Phil Veal, Joel Valentin, Josh Baines and Nathanael Boakye all retained their places in the lineup, with Baines leading the side out once more.

Kick-Off: Reading City 0-0 Edgware & Kingsbury

The first half began, in what appeared to be an evenly contested affair, with both teams searching for the opener. A battle for possession ensued, with the likes of Baines and Sankoh striking efforts towards the visitors’ net. 

City were unfortunately forced into an early change, with defender Phil Veal requiring further treatment for an injury to his calf – we wish him all the best in his recovery. Forward Pele Hagger entered the fray, joining Lucas Wynn upfront.

Goalkeeper Charlie York proved to be crucial in keeping the scoreline 0-0 throughout the initial 45, providing important saves at his near post, with the Edgware frontline driving the ball forward through set pieces.

Midfielder for the home side, Ben Holder, earned the first yellow card of the game, with the referee writing his name in the book for a late challenge on the opposition. 

The end of the half soon approached after a positive start from City, with Edgware holding our Cityzens following a competitive fight, complete with near chances and well-worked efforts, however it remained goalless heading into the interval.

Half Time: Reading City 0-0 Edgware & Kingsbury

Back underway, and gradually built-up efforts from each side converted direct balls into on-target attempts, with both shot-stoppers being called into action to deflect. Edgware’s man between the sticks sprinted off his line to claim dangerous inswinging efforts, whilst York blocked the opposition’s shots on goal from inside and across the area.

As the clock ticked towards the final twenty, attacker Lucas Wynn shook free from his marker following a low Edgware corner, slotting home a low effort past the ‘keeper towards his right hand post, breaking the deadlock on the break and giving the boys in blue the advantage.

Lamin Sankoh and Josh Baines were exchanged for Bobbi Emery and Lucas Taplin in the final fifteen, with Harvey Collins soon replacing goalscorer Wynn.

The visitors fought well to claw their way back into the game, however clearances from the City backline saw their efforts parried away. On the counter, Boakye evaded defenders to be met one-on-one with the visiting ‘keeper on two occasions, however both shots were pushed back from inside the eighteen yard box. Attempts from newly-introduced substitute Taplin and Hagger also just rolled short.

In the last moments of the game, Edgware’s Adetiba was brandished a yellow card and subsequently sent to the sin bin following a foul challenge on a City defender, reducing the visiting team temporarily to ten men.

The referee soon called time on an enthralling afternoon and City walked away with their fourth victory in five games, adding to their unbeaten streak of three games, with the side now ten points clear of the drop zone.

Full Time: Reading City 1-0 Edgware & Kingsbury

A brilliant afternoon in RG30 for our first team, with Lucas Wynn getting his name on the scoresheet for the fifth time. We wish today’s visitors, Edgware & Kingsbury, all the best for the rest of the season! Thank you to our supporters for coming down and backing the team today.

Johnson’s side now have ten days of rest before they hit the road and travel to face Wokingham Town in RG41.