Reading FC 3-1 Blackburn Rovers: 60 Second Report

Reading moved up to third in the table with a 3-1 win over lowly Blackburn Rovers tonight thanks to goals from Yann Kermorgant and Garath McCleary

Coming into the game, the Lancashire outfit were not to be taken for granted having looked brighter under new boss Tony Mowbray. Indeed, the opening quarter of an hour was a fairly even affair.

But the breakthrough came for the Royals in the 14th minute, with Tyler Blackett of all people, playing left-back for the night, providing a superb cross for Yann Kermorgant to head past Jason Steele.

That gave Reading the confidence to use the wings more, and they doubled the lead just before the half hour mark. A superb passing team move released John Swift, and there was only one man who was meeting the 21 year old's cross. Kermorgant rose highest once again, netting his 13th goal of the campaign.

The match was pretty much over from that point on, but Reading could sense that there was perhaps a chance to boost their goal difference. However, the game's next goal came for Blackburn, with the visitors suggesting that they weren't going down without a fight as Elliott Bennett rifled in a superb volley with just over 10 minutes to go.

But the nerves of every Reading fan in the stadium were eased within seconds as the Royals once again earned a two goal cushion when substitute Garath McCleary slotted past Steele after Kermorgant saw his hat-trick attempt saved.

Play-off rivals Leeds and Fulham both lost tonight, meaning that Jaap Stam's side are now nine points clear of seventh. They are also the first side to beat Blackburn by more than one goal since December. We're certainly in an excellent position and looking very strong as the end of the regular season approaches.

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Moore, Oxford (Ilori 73'), Blackett, Mutch, Kelly (Williams 62'), Swift, Popa (McCleary 55'), Kermorgant, Beerens