Blackpool ended Reading’s 11-game unbeaten run with a commanding 3-0 victory at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night.
Reading, who were looking to maintain their strong form, were well and truly outplayed in this encounter. Steve Bruce’s side put on an impressive performance, with their pace and attacking flair proving too much for the Royals to handle.
Second Half Triple Blow
The match started with Reading’s goalkeeper, Joel Pereira, making an early save to deny Carey, but Blackpool were soon in control. After some decent stops from Pereira, Carey finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, firing a low shot past the goalkeeper after being set up by Ashley Fletcher.
Blackpool doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Olly Casey scored from close range, pouncing on a cross from Niall Ennis. Reading, despite some early pressure, could not find a way back into the match.
Carey, who had been in excellent form, added a second goal in stoppage time, finishing a rebound after Pereira parried Sammy Silvera’s cross. The goal completed his brace and secured his sixth goal in six games, capping off a memorable night for the Seasiders.
Bruce Delighted
Reflecting on the victory, Bruce expressed his satisfaction with his team’s recent form.
“We needed to win some games at home, and at the right time we’ve hit a bit of form,” said the Blackpool boss. “We look formidable going forward – we’re a handful, with wide players who can dribble at you with pace, and strikers who can hurt teams.
“I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing. As soon as we scored the shackles were off, and we know exactly what we’re doing. We couldn’t have wished for a better four days.
“We’ve played against two of the teams above us and beat them convincingly, so fair play to the players – they responded to what we wanted and rose to the challenge to give ourselves a squeak.”
The win saw Blackpool move within three points of the play-off spots, while Reading dropped out of the top six, as their hopes of promotion took a significant hit.
Writer’s View
Blackpool’s convincing victory against Reading shows just how quickly they have found their rhythm under Steve Bruce. Carey’s form is crucial to their promotion push, and with Blackpool now only three points off the play-offs, they will be hoping to maintain this momentum as the season enters its final stretch.
Reading, on the other hand, will need to regroup after a disappointing performance if they are to stay in contention for a play-off spot.
