Reading’s aspirations for a fourth consecutive League One victory were dashed on Tuesday night as Stockport County dealt them a decisive 4-1 blow at Edgeley Park.
Manager Rubén Sellés’ side came out with intent but soon found themselves up against a well-coordinated Stockport side that capitalized on defensive gaps and took advantage of every opportunity.
The Royals began brightly, pressing high and creating early pressure, but it was Stockport’s Louie Barry who first tested Reading’s resolve, sending a powerful strike from distance just wide of the post. Reading responded with their own offensive push as Adrian Akande nearly forced his way through on goal, only to be thwarted by a heavy touch that allowed Stockport’s keeper Corey Addai to collect the ball.
As both teams traded chances, the game remained finely poised until Stockport took the lead in the 19th minute. Will Collar’s strike from outside the box took a deflection that wrong-footed Reading’s defence, finding the back of the net and shifting momentum firmly in Stockport’s favour. Reading was briefly rocked but soon regained composure, and by the half-hour mark, they had levelled the score. A fluid team move involving most of the squad ended with a smart square pass from Harvey Knibbs to Chem Campbell, who finished clinically to bring Reading back into the game.
However, Reading’s hopes were short-lived. Just three minutes later, Stockport regained their lead through Kyle Wootton, who headed home from a well-placed free kick. The Hatters extended their lead to 3-1 shortly before halftime when Barry converted a penalty awarded after a challenge from Andre Garcia on Jack Diamond.
Second Half Struggles for Reading
Reading’s response in the second half was spirited yet ultimately fruitless. Despite enjoying spells of possession and making tactical substitutions with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Ben Elliott, and Mamadi Camara joining the fray, the Royals couldn’t crack Stockport’s resilient defence. Instead, the Hatters found a fourth goal when Barry slotted home from close range after a clever one-two with Collar, sealing Reading’s fate on a difficult night away from home.
Though the Royals made one last push in the closing stages, the final whistle confirmed Stockport’s dominant win and Reading’s first defeat in four matches. With the Emirates FA Cup match against Fleetwood Town approaching on Saturday, Reading will aim to regroup and put this loss behind them.
Writer’s View
Reading showed moments of quality, particularly in their equalizing goal, but defensive lapses and Stockport’s clinical finishing proved costly.
Sellés will need to shore up the backline and bolster Reading’s attacking resilience if they are to bounce back.
