Crawley Town 1-0 Reading FC: Initial Reaction

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter (Obita 67), Griffin, Long, Ferdinand (Hyam HT), Akpan (Tshibola 80), Norwood (Kuhl HT), Williams (Quinn HT), Taylor (Blackman 67), Samuel (Novakovich 80), Sa (Cox HT).
Unused sub: Bond.

In what sounded like a scrappy game at the Broadhill Stadium, Reading couldn't find a way past a dogged Crawley side. Orlando Sa came in for a debut while Simon Cox also appeared for the first time this season after picking up a niggling injury earlier this summer.

Nearly 300 Royals witnessed a low key first half which saw Danny Williams go closest when his effort hit the post, after the midfielder had combined with Sa.

Cox came on for Sa at the break at linked up with former Crawley midfielder Akpan to produce one of Reading's best chances, only for the midfielder to miss the target.

At the other end Al-Habsi had to be alert to deny Gwion Edwards and Matt Harold but the keeper's good night was spoiled ten minutes from time. The ball had pinged around the space just outside the box before Conor Henderson unleashed a swerving drive from 25-yards out. The Oman International in the Reading goal looked to have it comfortably covered to palm over the bar but instead the ball slipped between his hands and into the net.

So not the best of nights for Al-Habsi, who showed why he's been in the Premier League but also why he's now out of it.

Bucks Royal will have a more detailed set of thoughts from the game a little later on so check back on The Tilehurst End later for that one!