Reading marked manager Noel Hunt’s 42nd birthday with an emphatic 4-1 triumph over Northampton Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Goals from Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith, Charlie Savage, and Mamadi Camará secured a crucial three points for the Royals, lifting their spirits in the League One play-off race. For Northampton, it was a tough introduction for new manager Kevin Nolan, whose side remains mired in relegation trouble after a lacklustre display.
First-Half Control Sets the Tone
Reading wasted no time taking control of the match, scoring just five minutes in. Harvey Knibbs opened the scoring with a clever volley from a tight angle, notching his eighth goal of the season. The Royals dominated possession, keeping Northampton on the back foot.
Sam Smith, another player in fine form, doubled the lead in the 28th minute. After narrowly missing moments earlier with a header, Smith latched onto a precise pass from Lewis Wing to slot the ball past Northampton goalkeeper Nik Tzanev. The Cobblers struggled to respond, failing to register a single meaningful shot on target in the first half.
Second-Half Flourish Seals the Win
The Royals continued to dictate proceedings in the second half, and Charlie Savage made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a beautifully curled effort from 20 yards. Savage’s goal effectively ended the contest, giving Hunt his long-awaited first win after four unsuccessful attempts.
Northampton’s Tom Eaves pulled one back in the 81st minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to score from close range. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Mamadi Camará restored Reading’s three-goal cushion with a powerful finish in the 87th minute, completing the rout in style.
Kevin Nolan’s View
“We tried to put a little bit of info into the boys in the last 24, 48 hours and I did see a bit of an improvement but I wasn’t too happy with the goals we conceded and the manner of them,” said Nolan in his first post match press conference. “I spoke to them after the game about that because we simply have to be better out of possession.”
Writer’s View
Reading’s display was a testament to their attacking quality and resilience under Noel Hunt. The team looked composed and clinical, with Knibbs and Smith continuing their excellent form. Northampton, meanwhile, have significant defensive issues to address under Kevin Nolan if they hope to avoid the drop. With both teams at pivotal points in their seasons, the coming weeks will prove decisive for their respective ambitions.
