Huddersfield Town 3-1 Reading FC: Instant Reaction

Here's that much-changed starting XI, to begin with, with Matej Vydra, Hal Robson-Kanu and Paul McShane among the notable absentees due to injury, and the upcoming Crystal Palace FA Cup quarter-final. Interestingly the Reading Twitter account opted for a pleasing/cringey emoji teamsheet.

Starting XI...
2⃣6⃣Al-Habsi
2⃣Gunter
3⃣Taylor
4⃣Evans
8⃣Hector
1⃣0⃣Rakels
1⃣2⃣McCleary
1⃣7⃣Piazon
2⃣3⃣Williams
2⃣9⃣Kermorgant
3⃣5⃣Cooper

— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) March 8, 2016

While Reading got away with an early header from Mark Hudson not hitting the back of the net, Yann Kermorgant did do just that after picking up Danny Williams' rebounded shot, but the French striker was offside. Moments later, Ali Al-Habsi's throw-out was intercepted only for Town to fluff their lines from a great position.

Later in the half it was Wells who troubled the Royals, nipping in behind to be denied by Al-Habsi, as Garath McCleary offered the main threatening outlet for Reading. 0-0 at half-time, little could split the sides.

That was until the 53rd minute when Andrew Taylor took ages to settle on a bouncing ball, and tamely attempted a volley back to Al-Habsi. Needless to say the underhit ball was comfortably intercepted by Wells who rounded the goalkeeper and notched yet again versus the Royals.

Brian McDermott threw Ola John on and yet Town made it 2-0 as Paterson nipped in behind a static defence to slot home the killer goal. Replays suggested he lost his marker, but it would be harsh to note who that defender was on just a single viewing. Let's call him J Cooper. No, that's not fair. Jake C.

Into the last 10 minutes Kermorgant had a shot cleared off the line and young Josh Barrett made his debut, learning immediately what he has to look forward to in a hopefully long Reading career by watching the hosts bury the game with a third goal. Bojaj got it, and Reading sank further into mid-table obscurity.

In the dying moments, Ola John remembered his namesake's TTE podcast prediction league call and gave Jonny the all-important points by smashing home a consolation.

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for full match report and player ratings in due course!