A rare moment of quality from Charlie Savage after four minutes produced the goal which propelled the Royals from twentieth to twelfth place in the League, denying Stevenage the opportunity to take top spot. Reading, still smarting from their undignified exit from the FA Cup at the hands of non-league Carlisle, started brightly. Nobody was more relieved than new manager Leam Richardson who must have been wondering what he had taken on after seeing his new team crumble on Saturday surrendering a two-goal lead in stoppage time, before going out after conceding early in extra time. This was a very different performance and most notably in terms of energy and commitment against a physical and uncompromising Stevenage side.

Reading came flying out of the blocks and dominated the game from the kick-off. Ehibhatiomhan's header was headed off the line after four minutes, Kyaweraa kept the move alive and found Savage on the edge of the box. Savage made space for a shot and curled the ball inside the far post leaving Marschall no chance of keeping it out. The welcome return of Pereira in goal made a huge difference. Apart from three wayward long passes which drifted out of play when under no pressure at all, Reading's first choice 'keeper was on top form inspiring confidence from a defence which had looked distinctly wobbly in his absence. He dominated the box, claiming high crosses and making crucial saves including one very sharp reaction one-handed stop low to his right from Kemp.

After the interval, Reading were unable to maintain the high levels of first half energy when they contained a strong Stevenage side comfortably. The visitors lacking in creativity, were not short on aggression, on and off the ball, often undetected by referee Speedie who had a poor game. Dorsett had the referee's assistant to thank for avoiding a second yellow when Speedie incorrectly identified him as the culprit in a challenge out on the left. Remarkably Speedie immediately rescinded the yellow, and justice was done but hardly inspired confidence.

Given their position in the league, the Stevenage attack was a remarkably lacking in creativity. In fact, their best scoring opportunity was provided by Abrefa's abysmal back pass to Ahadme presenting him with a golden opportunity to level the scores. Lacking composure Ahadme slammed his shot against the crossbar with only Pereira to beat from twelve yards. The front three of Lane, Ehibhatiomhan and Kyeweraa were all substituted before the final whistle reflecting the massive contribution in terms of energy, particularly in the first forty-five minutes. They chased every long ball, closed defenders down in possession and were always direct in running at the Stevenage defence. Their impact on the crucial opening phase of the game should not be underestimated.

The squad can now enjoy a well-deserved eight-day break eyeing the top six instead of the bottom four.

John Wells