Reading’s push for a place in the League One play-offs suffered a major setback after a 1-0 defeat to Lincoln City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals began the day occupying the final play-off spot, three points clear of their rivals, but ended it outside the top six after a disappointing afternoon in Berkshire. Substitute James Collins proved the match-winner, heading home with his very first touch to seal a crucial away victory for the visitors.
Noel Hunt kept faith with his trusted centre-back partnership of Amadou Mbengue and Tyler Bindon, the latter recently nominated for the League One Young Player of the Season award. Yet despite their strong defensive record at home, Reading struggled to assert control in a cagey first half.
Mbengue forced Lincoln keeper George Wickens into a fine save with a looping header, while at the other end, the Imps created opportunities through Reeco Hackett and Freddie Draper without finding a breakthrough.
The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the hour mark. Following a free kick delivered by Hackett, Collins rose unchallenged to glance a header beyond Joel Pereira and stun the home crowd.
Reading rallied late on, but substitute Ben Wareham was unable to direct a header on target, and Charlie Savage twice fired off-target from distance as the Royals desperately sought an equaliser.
After the defeat, Reading slipped to seventh, with Leyton Orient leapfrogging them following a dramatic comeback victory over Barnsley.
Reflecting on the game, Reading’s frustration was clear as they struggled to build momentum against a well-organised Lincoln side who became only the fourth visiting team to win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this season.
Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala made four changes to his starting eleven and was rewarded with a disciplined and clinical performance, ensuring his side kept their own faint promotion hopes alive.
Writer’s View
Reading’s lack of cutting edge at a critical point in the season could prove costly. Despite boasting one of the league’s best home records, the Royals were unable to find a way past an impressive Lincoln defence. With play-off rivals hitting form at the right time, Noel Hunt’s side must rediscover their scoring touch quickly or risk seeing a promising campaign end in disappointment.
